Learning to Play

It's not a hard concept...in theory. But for a special pup like me, playing is an art form I'm still working to master.

The Sheriff attempts to "teach" me the ropes of play by biting my neck, tackling me, or barking in my ear. None of that is appealing to me-my ears ring for hours after those barks!

What I do like to do though, is chase. Oh and barking, when I'm doing it, isn't so bad either. Lucky for me, when the Captain comes to visit, I get to chase and bark at him. Sheriff Padfoot surprisingly enough doesn't like it when pups reciprocate his bad behavior. While I'm still learning the finer points of chasing and/or playing with other pups, I sure enjoy watching Daddy run around and like to encourage him to try harder with the ball. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Furniture is being moved

Sheets are being changed

Rooms are being cleaned

Me thinks something is brewing..but what exactly I'm not quite sure...

I hear there is company coming for a visit. Dad's family that I haven't met yet (except my Aunt Sara and her pup Theo). I have another set of Grandparents-more people to spoil and love me.

Warnings from the humans:

Dougal, not everyone enjoys doggies that jump on laps and then proceed to growl and snarl while demanding to be petted.

But Mom...I am a very vocal puppy and want to make it quite clear that picking things off of me, brushing my fur, or touching my ears are OFF limits. Growling and snarling are good things, right? It means I'm not biting them so I think it's good for everyone.

Dougal, could you maybe not bite AND not growl or snarl? People just want to love you and show you affection

Not likely...

Dougal, please remember that marking on suitcases, pillows, or guests clothes are also not favored by humans.

But Mom, I just want to spread my manly scent so all the other doggies know these are my humans too!

Dougal, we must be a special good puppy for Daddy as it's his birthday. He needs lots of love and licks.

No problem, got that one covered!

One year later...

Labor Day weekend marked the one year anniversary of my arrival at the homestead. What a year! I've learned a lot and made a tremendous of progress from this scared, reactive puppy I was. When I first arrived, I was not a fan of water, having things removed from my fur, leaving toys or bones I should not have, or being petted at night. Happy to say all of those things have been resolved! I let Mommy wipe my paws and remove sticklers from my fur, I sit and look before crossing streets, and most importantly, I play! Not with the Sheriff of course but other doggies-a preference for bigger ones-I love to chase! 

All around a very great first year. Now if only Mom and Dad would give up on the whole "no marking in the house" rule.