Porch Potty Blog

Do you enjoy seeing your pup strut around with a cute hat on? Maybe something simple like a handkerchief around their neck to add some charisma to their style? Well, this January 14 is National Dress Up Your Pet Day and that means that your pup has their own special day to get dressed up for the occasion. But you don’t have to stop at dressing up – you can plan yourself a puppy party to make the day fun for everyone.

Dressing up for the occasion

When it comes to dressing your dog up, you should take into consideration personality, weather (especially since it’s colder right now), and general comfort. Since the day is about your four-legged friend, it’s important to make sure that they’ll enjoy the occasion.

Not every pup is going to enjoy spending time in a bulky costume, especially our corgi and collie friends who prefer the cold weather. But they can still join in the fun, so consider something simple or perhaps even a little entertaining like some alien antennae or a “super” cape that they can chase around.

Since comfort is a big part of dressing up (even we don’t enjoy wearing something that doesn’t feel right for very long), make sure that what your pup dresses in isn’t going to bother them. The last thing you want is to buy a nice costume that they’re just going to rip off and turn into a chew toy. Make sure your pup’s costume fits them properly, and that you don’t have any tags or seams that might irritate them in certain spots.

Get creative

There are various costumes, hats, and other charismatic articles that you can buy. But you don’t always have to spend a lot of money to have fun. If you don’t want to go out and buy a costume, go ahead and put your own creative and innovative talents to the test. Maybe that Halloween costume from last year needs a few changes to turn it into something new (and maybe a little less uncomfortable). Change around hats, or add a pair of bunny ears.

Puppy party time

Aside from dressing up, we can throw a party to really make the day enjoyable. Why not organize a puppy party where all of your friend’s pups dress up too. Of course, your pup isn’t the only one who gets to get into costume. You and your friends can join in as well. Perhaps even have your pup go dressed up as a sheep and you as a shepherd. Then, you’d be able to find your four-legged friend no matter where they run off to (and everyone will know who belongs to who). You can even trade places with your pup. All you need is a tail and some doggy ears, and your pup can wear a hat and tie. The leash would only add to the style if it looks like your pup is walking you.

The nice thing about throwing a puppy party is that you can theme it any way you want to. Perhaps an elegant dress-up with a doggy tuxedo to look good for their special day, and there are stylish dresses for the girls, too. Both you and your pup can look nice for the occasion, even if they do manage to find some dirt to roll in. But that’s what the washing machine is for.

Don’t forget the puppy treats to add some flavor to your party. You and your friends can bake your own doggy biscuits or soft banana strips that your pups can enjoy.

But where can you enjoy such costume parties? While dog parks might seem like a nice place to meet-and-greet with other puppy party goers, it isn’t always sanitary or safe health-wise for dogs. A secure location, such as your own backyard or home would be much safer and probably more enjoyable for you pups, especially if they want all those delicious treats to themselves. Plus, you won’t have to worry about someone else’s huge dog knocking anyone down and taking off with their costume hat.

This January, you can celebrate spending some time with your pup by dressing up and throwing a puppy costume party. Have a few friends over, play a few games with your four-legged friends, and even get dressed up yourself. It’s time for everyone to get dressed up and have some fun.

This early part of the year is home to the sporting event of the year. We all gather around the television set to watch the Super Bowl. But that’s not all we do- we make the occasion a party. Food, activity, and people all make for a festive event. Though it’s exciting for us, our favorite four-legged friends may not enjoy it as much as we do.

Not everyone knows how to act around your pup. Amongst the many hazards a mass of activity can bring, one is the uniformed party-goer. As a pet owner, we know the dos and don’ts of taking care of a pup to ensure their happiness and safety, but others may not. If your pup is going to join in the party, make sure you set a list of rules regarding the handling of your pup. And make sure they know that it’s for their safety as well as your pup’s.

Too much activity

One thing about a party is that there is bound to be shouting, throwing, and other activity all around. While some dogs can cope well with this, you may end up with a howling pup that’s anxious for attention, or maybe even a pup that has bolted for the safety of your bedroom. If you don’t think your dog can handle the excitement, make sure they have a safe sanctuary where they can enjoy themselves.

Doggy underfoot

One of the bad things about a bunch of folks moving around (perhaps a little tipsy already) is that people can step on puppy paws. Your pup isn’t always as big as everyone else, and may get trampled or hurt. Of course, the opposite can be true. If old Blue happens to be standing behind someone, he might end up sending your buddy to meet the floor (probably spilling a drink and a handful of chips, too).

Another danger is that party-goers may get rough, and your pup might get caught in the middle. The game may lead to your guests replaying a touchdown, and your pup can end up on the receiving end of a bad play.

Treats that aren’t for your pup

Possibly the biggest danger for a pup is all the tasty treats everywhere. Wandering hands may end up tossing your pup a few bones that he shouldn’t have, or a messy friend may drop half their plate on the floor. Here are some foods to be extremely wary of and are found in most party styled treats.

* Chicken wings are tasty, but their bones can be extremely dangerous for a hungry pup.
* Onions are in salsas, dips, and a variety of other dishes. Though we find them tasty, they can upset a dog’s stomach rather quickly.
* While most fruits are okay for a pup, grapes and raisins should be avoided. Raisins are popular in trail mix which may find its way on your snack list.
* Alcohol is amongst the more popular party treats, and will almost definitely make it on your party list. Don’t let your pup drink…even if he isn’t driving.
* Greasy foods in general aren’t good for your pup’s heart and liver, so avoid treating your pup to a plateful of leftovers.

A safe place for your pup

If you don’t think your pup will do well with the rest of the party, or you don’t think you can keep an eye on him to ensure his safety, it’s best to simply put him in a familiar place for the time. While the yard may seem like a good idea, the Super Bowl party usually travels between inside and outside, especially when the ref makes a bad call. Select a room where they won’t get into mischief, but will feel safe even with all the noise. Make sure they have plenty to eat, drink, and toys to play with. Conveniently, this might actually be a good time to put your dog’s grass litter box to use so they aren’t wandering through the crowd with a full bladder (and we all know what happens when pups get too excited when they have to go potty).

Super Bowl Sunday is a big day for the fans of football (and the fans of the epic commercials, too). While we will definitely enjoy the occasion, make sure that your pup is kept safe as well. Though you might think they’d enjoy the change, don’t put them in a situation where they can get hurt. Keep your pup safe and enjoy the party.

Much like people, pups can have goals as well. Well, I guess lazing around on your pillow might be amongst them, but we’re talking about the goal of good behavior. When you’re teaching your pup the proper way to act in your home, or just working on a few basic tricks to impress your friends, we have to spend time with our four-legged friends and set some goals for them achieve.

Training session

Contrary to what you might think, the shorter the training period, the more your pup will usually absorb. Because pups often have short attention spans and quite frankly would rather have fun, long training sessions can actually be counterproductive to learning. A short time period of about five minutes should be the longest you will want to continuously work on a single subject. During that time, start with your command and continue to reinforce it. Your pup may be confused at first, and a little guidance may be needed (holding your pup in place for “stay,” or laying them down to put them into the lay position). Although the time period seems short, it isn’t limited to once a day. Work with your pup at different times of the day, and give constant reminders by always utilizing your commands. While the lesson may be short, learning is done throughout their experiences during the day.

Small goals

Set small goals for you and your pup, and don’t try to achieve everything in one day. There’s a lot to learn, and if you burn them out and make learning a boring part of the day, they may not even want to listen to you. They’ll just look at you and bark, “Well, you’re no fun at all.” If you’re going to keep your pup’s attention, you need to set small learning goals during which they learn a little at a time. These goals gradually work up to the ultimate goal of good behavior.

These goals need to be steady and habitual. Set certain times each day during which you and your pup will spend time learning good behavior. Teaching a pup good behavior is like teaching them a habit. They may learn to sit today, but if you don’t continuously enforce that skill each day, they won’t make a habit of learning that’s what their supposed to do.

If you have trouble with organizing your day, or keeping track of when puppy school starts, go ahead and make a schedule. Whether it’s added into your daily planner, or you may even put your smart phone to use and set a few alarms to remind you. It’ll help you maintain the goal of working with your pup, and your pup will be able to make a habit of getting a good education.

Treat with fun

When teaching your pup, entertainment is a must. If they don’t enjoy the experience, they won’t want to do it. Make learning a treat in itself. The situation is positive for your pup, and they’ll actually want to learn good behaviors. One way to teach a pup to “stay” is to incorporate their playtime into the mix. While you’re playing a good game of tug-o-war, use your “stay” command during the game and stop playing. They may want to continue, but you just ignore them and continue to use the command until they settle down. Then use your “release” command and begin playing again. It will take time to solidify the knowledge, but it’s a process that you have to continuously work on. And the best part is that it’s fun for your pup. The learning itself becomes a game rather than school.

Making the experience fun means that you want to refrain from doing anything that would upset them during this process. Rather than scold or yell, ignore them until they are successful. If you start shouting, they may get confused or become irritated with you. When the student isn’t enjoying the class, they won’t pay attention. When you don’t pay attention, you won’t learn a thing.

Setting goals for both you and your pup keeps your pup learning at a steady pace. Rather than dump all of that puppy knowledge on your dog in a few short hours, you set a good learning pace to ensure a fun learning environment. Properly training your pup takes time. Spend a little time with them each day, and eventually you’ll find that your pup was a clever rascal after all.

I have to say, I’ve enjoyed the last few days. Though the weather has been cold, and the fluffy snow makes it hard to take care of business, the old man and I have been spending a lot of time together. And today we’ve been getting ready for a feast again (this time of year seems to have a lot of these, but I’m not complaining).

The counter is full of goodies and treats, all of which smell delicious. I can even catch a scent of an apple pie baking in Debbie’s kitchen. Perhaps she’ll bring it over when it’s done.

The old man pulls another set of goodies from within the oven and places them on the table. This is of course not a good idea, since I haven’t eaten since…well, since a little while ago, and I’m starving. I watch the old man, waiting until he’s not looking. When he turns his back to check on the oven, I make my move. My snout just barely reaches the table top, and I can smell something delicious. I take a few licks, the taste of salt, lemon, and something fishy fills my mouth. And then I discover that it’s hot. Very hot.

And not to mention the fact that I’m busted. The old man scolds me as I sneeze and rub my singed snout. It hurts, but it was worth it. At least I think so. I scamper on out of the kitchen, having carried out my mischievous plan for the day. The old man is still scolding me when I leave. It’s okay. I have to do something to keep the old man on his toes.

There’s a knock on the door, and I’m on it. While the old man takes a bit to get down the hall, it takes me a few seconds to get some traction on the wooden floor (the rug is missing for some odd reason), and I’m there. I can’t see who it is, but I inform them that it’ll be just a moment before they can come in. And then I add that when they do, don’t touch my stuff, and wipe your paws.

When the door opens, Debbie walks in carrying her famous pies, and Izzy romps through her legs and makes himself at home on the couch. But these aren’t our only guests. A few other faces have joined in, none of which I am very familiar with. A man, a woman, and a couple of their youngsters adds to the audience. While I do enjoy some company, I don’t know who they are. So I do what any other pup would do in my situation. I bark my head off.

It takes a while for the old man to calm me down, but it doesn’t change my feelings for these newcomers. After some introductions (perhaps they should have done that before they strolled into my house), things get smoothed over as a big misunderstanding.

They turn out to be some of the old man’s family who’ve dropped in for a nice visit. Though, I think they’re just after my snacks. Maybe even my bone. So, I hide my bone.

Once that’s well hid (I won’t tell you where, you might be after it, too), I rejoin the party. We snack and play games. Well, the peoples play their game, Izzy and I just do our best to get in the way. I even managed to get a hold of one of their silly hats they have to wear. After a wild chase around the house, everyone is left out of breath, but we’re all laughing nonetheless. It’s good to have fun.

It gets dark soon, but no one goes home. They just keep playing games and snacking. That’s when I notice the cups. They’re everywhere. One here and a few there. All of them are just lying around. The peoples have been drinking from them, perhaps something tasty that I haven’t had a chance to sample. I nudge one with my snout, and it falls over. Empty. I knock over another. Empty, too. Then the stranger sees me. I give him a funny look. He gives me a funnier look. Or maybe he just looks that way. Then he drops down and offers me a sample of his cup. I sniff and notice a rather pungent smell. It tingles in my nose. I like the feeling, so I drop my tongue in and drink up.

“No!”

The sound surprised me, and I ran. Unfortunately I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going, and ran right into the piano bench. Then I spotted the old man. He was mad. That’s all I can say. He wasn’t mad at me though. He was mad at the other fella. After a good scolding, the old man started picking up all the cups and throwing them away. Even though he looked a little upset, the fella helped, too.

Then I was scooped up by the old man, who looked at me with that stern look and asked me if I was okay. I just hiccupped a “maybe.” He shook his head and told me that I’d done enough mischief for one year. Then we took a seat on the couch, and I dozed off in the old man’s arms.

And I didn’t even wake up until the next year.

Author:

Jason Duron is a short story writer and author of several fiction stories.  Curious and lovable as dogs can be, the Adventures of Rocky give you a chance to see daily life from a “dog’s eye view” and share in their thoughts.  Please enjoy, and we hope that you’ll feel free to comment and give us insight into your dog’s very own Rocky Adventures.

What’s with all the noise? These odd smells? Everything was wildly different when I awoke this morning. By the time I had made my way into the living room, everyone was already waiting for me. Then I saw them. Boxes and bags were strewn about underneath the tree. I don’t know if it’s good or bad. All I know was that when I went to sleep last night, the floor beneath the tree was clean. I had made sure of that. I looked up at my companion for an explanation. The old man just gives me a surprised look, but there’s a gleam in his eye that tells me he knows something.

Today must be special, because all my friends are here. Debbie and Izzy brought us a pie and even some extra goodies that were put on the table for snackies later (they think I can’t get to them, but with a little help from my friends, I’m sure we can get into some mischief). Even Christy has stopped in for a visit. Thieves is lucky enough to join us for the occasion, even though the old man was a little worried at first. But after I told him that it was cool, he agreed.

So, Thieves, Izzy, and I proceeded to inspect each other. After that was done, we moved on and started with the boxes. I took the left side of the tree, Thieves crawled into a bag, and Izzy found a box with a ribbon that he liked in particular.

When that situation turned out rather badly, we were moved out into the yard fairly abruptly. It’s all good though. I had to take care of my morning business. In all the excitement, I had neglected my over-filled bladder.

We chased each other around for a bit, talking excitedly about what we had smelled underneath the tree. I was convinced there were some flavorful eats, while Izzy claimed that his favorite flavored bone was in there somewhere. Thieves said he liked the paper that he had found in the bag. I like it too. Paper sounds cool when you thrash it around and pounce around with it. Plus, it feels funny in my mouth and on my face.

The door opened, and out popped the old man. He didn’t even get to call us. I rushed through his legs and into the room. The boxes had changed into things. Clothes, gadgets, and I even spotted a new hat for the old man. He always wears the ones that give him a lot of shade all around his head, not like the ones with a cover just over his snout and eyes. He looks good in them, and so few others seem to wear them around here.

With no time to waste, I rush over to the tree to see what’s left. Only a single box and a bag are left sitting beneath the tree. I look back at the others, wondering if one is for me. Debbie is petting Izzy, trying to calm him down, while Christy sits on the couch, cuddling with Thieves.

The old man drops down and gives me a good scratch behind the ear. He points at the remaining items and points at me. Then he does it again, but points to my two friends instead. I understand. I grab the bag, and since Thieves seemed to be a little particular to it, I gave it to him. The box with the ribbon goes to my friend Izzy. Debbie helps Izzy open his, while Thieves rushes head first into his own bag of goodies. He rustles around for moment before emerging with a scarf and a bag of treats. I lick my lips. At the same time, Izzy chomps down on his favorite flavored bone. A whole boxful for him to enjoy sits on the floor. I lick my lips again.

I’m kind of sad, I guess. But, seeing my friends so happy…makes me happy. Then the old man gives me a good scratch behind my ear. I look up to see that he has that mischievous look in his eye again. Then he slides me my own present, a little something just for me.

Author:

Jason Duron is a short story writer and author of several fiction stories.  Curious and lovable as dogs can be, the Adventures of Rocky give you a chance to see daily life from a “dog’s eye view” and share in their thoughts.  Please enjoy, and we hope that you’ll feel free to comment and give us insight into your dog’s very own Rocky Adventures.

We’re out and about, perhaps doing a little shopping, and what do you know- you’ve met someone special. Things go well, both of you get along well, and you’ve found yourself a great companion. But, with your four-legged friend in the picture, things might get a little complicated. How does your pup handle a new face in the home? Most might seem okay with it, but remember that your home is their home, too. So be aware of what to look for to make sure that both of your companions get along well.

Dogs are naturally defensive of their territory. Your home is their den. Therefore, they feel obligated to protect it from intruders. Don’t be disappointed if your pup doesn’t fall madly in love (even if you do) with your partner immediately. Sometimes all it takes is a little finesse and a little bit of love.

My pup likes ‘em, my pup likes ‘em not

If your pup has met anyone before, you’ve seen the signs of disapproval. Not every pup loves everyone they meet, so you need to be prepared for anything. This all comes down to the first impression. We’re told not to rely on first impressions, but pups don’t rely on that tidbit of helpful human social behavior.

Introductions come first; pup meets partner, partner meets pup. But how you go about it can affect how your pup will act around that person in the future. It’s best not to surprise your pup with the situation.  Don’t just show up with your partner and expect everything to be cool. Try this scenario: Everyone in a room, perhaps the living room, where things are well lit so that everything can be clearly seen by your pup. No music, no television, no distractions to draw their attention away from the meeting. And remember that a handful of dog food can make a difference in how your pup perceives your partner. Allow them to “treat” your pup in order to start their own relationship.

Puppy attitude

Your pup’s reaction to your partner may not always start out great, and they may need a few minutes to warm up. After the first meeting, if your dog continues to show signs of disapproval such as growling when they first see them, things may not be working out. A few other signs of disapproval may include whining, avoiding them altogether, hiding between your legs when your partner is there, and the simple sign of tail always remaining tucked (this can be hard for corgis and other pups with nubs).

Dancing and prancing are a definite thumbs up. If your pup takes to them quickly, then you have nothing to fear. Often, it does take a little getting used to for a pup to give you the OKAY signal. After some sniffing and investigating, your pup may begin to wag their tail (or wiggle their behind) and decide they’ve found a new playmate, too.

The feeling is mutual

Since every relationship has two sides to it, you also have to be concerned about how your partner feels about your pup. Things aren’t always as easily detected, since words may not match actions. Pay attention to how your partner acts around your pup. Do they lose their temper quickly and resort to raising their voice, especially if your pup isn’t even at fault?

The worst one is when a partner requests that your faithful companion has to hit the road. “It’s me or him,” is a definite no-no when it comes to partners. While you and your new partner may get along great, these requests may lead to a controlling relationship. If they aren’t willing to make things work or strive to improve the relationship between your pup and them, they likely aren’t going to do so in the future. Be suspicious of someone who wants you to get rid of your best friend.

When you have a pup, you have to remember that a there are going to be three individuals in your new relationship. It’s nice if everyone can get along, but if things don’t seem like they’re going to work out, you need to address the situation before it becomes a problem. No relationship is fun if everyone can’t enjoy it.

We do enjoy the companionship of our four-legged friends, which is why they’re in our lives. But, we can’t always stay with them. Travels, whether for work or pleasure, can leave us with the question: Should Fluffy come with, or stay here? This question is not so easily answered, since there are so many variables to calculate. Indeed, it is a matter of what is the most logical choice for your pup- not just what you want.

And having said that, it is definitely hard for us to separate ourselves from our pups. And likewise, it can be hard for our pup to be separated from us for long periods of time. The bond we share is developed through our journey through life together. We eat, sleep, and share the same home and friends.

Size may matter

But unfortunately, our faithful friend can’t always join us. Throughout the world, “No dogs allowed” signs are posted up. Hotels and other housing accommodations are no exception to the rule. And even when they do allow pups, size may matter. There is a vast difference between your Scottish Terrier and a St. Bernard. When it comes down to it, the size of your pup may affect your ability to bring them with you wherever you go.

There is also the point of activity ranges. Some pups are relatively docile and don’t mind lazing about. On the other end of the spectrum are the hyperactive rascals such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds who need enough room and a lot of excitement to keep them entertained. While we’ll miss our buddies, taking them with us on extended stays may not be best for a pup that won’t find the confines of an apartment or short-term housing very comfortable.

So when searching for a place to stay for your extended stay, make sure you ask plenty of questions and do some research.

1. Are dogs allowed, and are all dogs allowed?
2. What provisions are provided for dogs, and is there a pet deposit?
3. Is there enough room for my pup to play and remain entertained?

Moving around can get uncomfortable

On the comfort note, keep in mind that pups are creatures of habit. They like things to happen on schedule and for everything to be in its place. The road, the new places, and even the new people can make a pup very uncomfortable. All these changes can give them anxiety, often resulting in territorial marking, diarrhea, chewing, and even depression. For pups, the solidity of the day is important. So if you’re thinking about disrupting your pup’s day, be aware of how your pup handles change. Sometimes, even we don’t like it.

On top of your pup’s ability to adjust, there is the also the purpose of your stay to take into consideration. Most folks travel for business, and are often preoccupied with work. This leaves little to no time to really hang out with your four-legged friend. So you have to consider the fact that bringing them may just put them in a new place where they will be alone most of the time. You have to take into consideration your pup’s feelings, too. They may feel abandoned, even though you know that you will come back, they may not understand it.

Now consider the comfort your dog seeks.

1. Is my pup an active dog, or will they be fine in a small area?
2. How well does my pup adjust to change?
3. Will I be able to be there to take care of my pup?

If you’re not going to be able to ensure that your pup is happy during your extended stay, it may be best to leave them at home or with suitable accommodations.

Puppy sitter

This leads us to the second hardest part (the hardest is having to say goodbye for now)- weighing the logic of taking your pup with you to a new place for a short time, or leaving them in a place where they will be separated from you, and may be in an unfamiliar place anyway. There are services that offer puppy-daycare, but it is important to research and get recommendations before you trust your best friend to just anyone.
If you’re lucky enough to have a good friend that you can trust (and your pup trusts) or a family that is willing to take care of your best bud while you take care of business, then that may be the best option for you pup if the journey may not be something that they’re going to enjoy.

Remember that even though you may want your pup to join you in your travels, it isn’t always what’s best for them. Consider how your pup will feel and how they will handle the journey so that you don’t put them in a situation in which they’re only going to be uncomfortable. Take care of your pup, and make the best decision for them.

Aha! No time for walkies today, we’re going for a ride. From my spot in the window, I watched the old man scraping last night’s fluffy snow off the windshield. Things have been extra cold this week. It’s always neat when it’s cold like this, because instead of water from the sky, we get this fluffy stuff called snow. And luckily for me, snow tastes way better than water. I guess maybe I just like the way it tingles on my tongue, but it’s irresistible nonetheless.

I run around in the fresh blanket of cold wetness as I try to seek a good place to do my daily. A pile of leaves offers something better than the wetness, and I take care of business. Then the old man calls me to load up. I don’t know what we’re doing, but we always have fun doing it. He loves to sing while we drive, and I like to listen. We’re quite the pair, if I do say so myself.

I hop up into my seat, but something’s a little different here. Instead of my regular freedom, I get a leash that holds me fast to the seat. It’s like the one that the old man puts on, but I don’t like it. It feels strange, and I let the old man know. I struggle against it for a moment while the old man changes something. Then everything is cool, and I’m back to sitting right in my spot again.

Then the fun starts. We’re moving, (the feeling is felt rather than seen) and the old man starts up his jolly singing. I stare out my window at the moving world around us. With this fascinating white blanket over it, the world looks rather bland. Usually, you could spot different houses, yards, and people, but today everything looks the same.

We stop for a moment, and I get a new view. Some people pups and their mama and papa are building balls of snow and piling them up on each other. They run and play in the fluffy whiteness, and I see that the snow does change the world in its own special way.

We pull into a place where the people put their cars, and the old man puts ours in a spot next to another. Its cold out, so the window is opened just enough for me to talk to the other pup in the next car. I get a firm pat on my head and am told to be good. “I’m always good,” says I. Then I offer my most innocent puppy eyes to confirm. The old man chuckles and leaves me alone for now. I watch as he enters the large building where he gets our food stuffs.

When he’s out of sight, I turn back to the window and try to jump up to talk to my neighbor. Unfortunately, I forgot that this leash thing was still on. After some maneuvering, I manage to wiggle enough to get out and start telling my neighbor that this is my car. He says he knows, and tells me that he’s in his car. Then he says that he likes his bone. I tell him that I might like his bone, too. That was a mistake, because he got real mad. I apologized and told him that I didn’t want his bone. It was just that I thought it was probably so good that any pup might like it. He calmed down, and we started talking about toys and food stuffs.

After a while, I spot the old man approaching. He’s pushing a buggy full of bags (I like to play with them, but I’m not supposed to). He opens one of the doors in the rear and piles in some of our new goodies. I try to sniff them to see which ones I want, but the old man pushes me back into my seat and wonders how I escaped my leash. I shrug as innocently as possible.

He leashes me back in and takes care of himself as well. Then we’re off, likely back towards home. I recognize some of the same houses. I spot the people pups still piling snowy balls up and putting sticks in them now. We slowed and stopped so I could get a better look.

That’s when the craziest thing happened. The whole car shook, and the old man let out a yelp of his own. Our leashes held us fast to the seats so we didn’t fall down. I looked around to see what was wrong. The old man did the same. Then he said a few words that I didn’t understand and picked up his talking box toy and started pushing on it with his shaking paws. He told me to stay as he got out and went to talk to another man.

After he’d talked to some other peoples and a protector man, he got back in and shook his head. It was all a little scary, I guess. He gave me a good pat on the head and checked my leashing thingy again. He secured his own leash and let out a sigh. Then he smiled and started singing again as we headed for home.

Author:

Jason Duron is a short story writer and author of several fiction stories.  Curious and lovable as dogs can be, the Adventures of Rocky give you a chance to see daily life from a “dog’s eye view” and share in their thoughts.  Please enjoy, and we hope that you’ll feel free to comment and give us insight into your dog’s very own Rocky Adventures.

When your four-legged friend first enters your life, we know how important it is to train them properly. Aside from potty training, we need to influence their behaviors to help them become as likeable to others as they are to us. Of course, few couldn’t help but adore your pup’s wagging tail, but your pup isn’t always up for talking to strangers (and you didn’t even have to tell him). During a pup’s early months, the relationship they build with other people will affect how they will behave when out in public.

This leads us to the puppy training party. This is a positive situation that will help your pup adjust to people. Not all dogs are naturally friendly with everyone, which is why it is important to introduce them to others at an early age.

What this party is begins with a few friends of yours. Family members can join in, but make sure that you have a few new faces and hands that your pup can familiarize with. Since you want to express individuality, have your friends dress very differently, such as hats and purses of various kinds. This helps your pup associate with the style and looks of many different people.

A place to party

Choose a place that is neutral to your pup. You don’t want them in defense mode as they try to protect their den and family from intruders. Best place to start may be a unoccupied park (not a dog park with distractions) or out in your yard where things are familiar, but not necessarily territorial. Another thing to remember is that everything should be well lit. You don’t want anybody in the shadows where they may appear intimidating to your pup. This should allow your pup to meet his new friends without wanting to play the instinctive guard dog (plus it gives everyone some room to play and interact).

Party manners

Now keep in mind that some basic training skills will help the situation strongly. Pawing or jumping up on people shouldn’t be allowed at the party. The purpose here is to socialize and teach your pup proper manners around groups of other people. Even if they are happy to meet these people, they shouldn’t be allowed to jump upon them out of eagerness for a treat. You may confirm this by ignoring them, rather than punishing them or pushing them down, especially since you want your pup to develop a positive relationship with people.

Time to party

When your guests do arrive, it’s important to avoid a mass of hands seeking a hold of that furry rascal. Introductions should be one at time. Go about this by putting your pup’s instincts to work. Have each person hand-feed some regular dog food to your pup when introduced. It teaches your pup that hands are friends and shouldn’t be attacked or bitten. As your pup becomes more familiar with each person, they can gently touch and pet, starting with the collar area. Try to avoid places where your pup can’t see what their hands are doing. Make sure you avoid anybody using intimidating actions towards your pup. Most pups don’t like it if you cover their eyes (if you’re trying to pet their head from an elevated position) or touch their hindquarters when they aren’t looking. Keep every action clearly visible to your pup to avoid startling them. The last thing you want to do is scare your pup during his party.

One thing to keep in mind is not to force your pup to allow someone he does not seem to like, for instance- if he is growling and cowering profusely, since it will only leave them despising the person or persons. Wait until your pup is ready to get comfortable with them, not the other way around. Take things slow until everyone is ready to have fun. After all, it is their party.

It is important for your pup to socialize at an early age, or they may end up with behavioral problems later down the road. Throw a puppy training party for your faithful friend to ensure that they get along with others as well as they do with you. With the help of some good friends, your pup can learn to appreciate more than just you and your family.

Have you ever asked yourself if your pup is a good dog? Silly, everyone believes their pup is a good dog. But perhaps considering that your pup is well behaved and listens well is often something else. I’ve seen many a pup pretty much do whatever they want to. This is why training at an early age is so important, not just for your sake, but your pup’s as well.

Canine Good Citizen

To help entice owners to train spend the time to properly train their pups, the AKC began offering an award called the Canine Good Citizen award. It’s a test designed to test your pup’s ability to handle themselves in this world we live in.

Basically, the test covers the basics of their interaction with strangers, you, and other dogs. These are important for your pup to know, even if you aren’t pressed to achieve an award for good behavior. The behavior is the reward itself.

Covering the basics

How your pup reacts with you is of course the most basic of skills. “Sit”, “down” (lay), and “stay” are all important. These are necessary to show that you have the ability to control your pup. The recall and release are also important to ensure that your pup listens to you and provides a good sense of obedience. These basic skills are learned through time spent with your pup, and as with any teaching, must be learned early on.

How they act with others

The ability to be separated is another point of interest. Many dogs don’t seem to do well with becoming separated from their owners, and will seldom listen to others. This situation is important since we aren’t always around our pup. Groomers, the vet, and even a puppy-sitter all may handle your pup at some point when you’re not around. This helps ensure that your pup doesn’t develop or suffer from separation anxiety which can prove very hard on a pup.

The next set of tests will involve the interaction between your pup and a friendly stranger. Since meeting new people is inevitable, it is important for your pup to form a friendly relationship with others. At an early stage in puppy life, you might consider throwing them a puppy socialization party where they can be surrounded with strangers (your personal friends preferably) and learn how to act around other people. Here, it will be important that your pup still obeys you, but will not act aggressively and also has the ability to answer to simple commands such as “sit” and allow themselves to be petted. It is also important for you pup to be able to walk through a crowd of pedestrians without becoming agitated or anxious. The last thing you want is to have to chase a wild Rover through a crowd of people.

Since people are not the only part of society, how your pup acts around other dogs is also important. They should be able to handle themselves with proper introductions (sniffing not snapping). Introducing your pup to other pups at an early age is important to ensure good behavior. Of course, you should never leave your pup unattended with strange pups. You need to be present in order to correct inappropriate behaviors and enforce the good ones. (As a hint, food can prove precious to a dog, so when introducing your pup to others, avoid involving food and treats.)

A little noise and a well-poised pup

Distractions do happen. Loud noises, other dogs, cars, and even cats can all be easy distractions for your pup. In order to affirm that you have the utmost obedience from your pup, they must be able to avoid and ignore these distractions while listening to you. This is possibly the best test, since it not only solidifies your bond, but can save a pup from being lost or having an accident if they chase a moving vehicle.

A well-behaved pup is a good pup. Although I’m sure we all believe our canine friend to be the best dog in the world, it is important that they behave that way around us, strangers, and other dogs. With proper training, time well-spent on developing social skills, and some training techniques to help things along, any dog is capable of being a good canine citizen.