As Honey and I sat on the floating dock watching the ducks, I couldn’t help overhearing the woman talking to her friend behind us. “I could never swim in the lake. Who knows what’s in that water that might touch me? Nope, it’s chlorinated pools for me.” I grew up having a pool. So I understand …
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Don’t Play It Cool
When Honey sees someone she wants to greet, she starts off by slowly swishing her tail. If she gets the least little encouragement, she starts dancing in place. Front paw up, both rear paws hop. When her new “friend” comes over to say hello, Honey explodes with joy. She spins around. She leans into the …
Deep Down, Dog People and Cat People Are The Same
Dog people are extroverts. Cat people are introverts. Dog people are more politically conservative than cat people are. Dog people claim Paul McCartney as their favorite Beatle. Cat people prefer George Harrison. You’ve seen the infographics. Maybe you’ve even taken a quiz. You know that dog people and cat people are entirely different. Or are …
Make That Summer Festival As Fun For Your Dog As It Is For You
What wouldn’t most dogs like about going to a lively event with food spilled everywhere, warm sunshine, and lots of walkies? Except for strangers standing on her tail, lit cigarettes dangling at eye level, and hot pavement. Summer festivals and events are loads of fun with your dog. Or at least they can be. Here’s …
Curse of the Eager to Please Dog
I’ve read the complaints on Facebook and blogs. I’ve heard them on the streets. “My dog never comes when I call her.” “He’s just stubborn.” “I could never trust my dog off leash.” “My dog wouldn’t give me a kiss if I smeared steak on my lips.” You’re lucky. At least you don’t know the …
Doggy Dread – A Story Told in Pictures
We’re three days into our sailing adventure with Honey and blessed with great WiFi at the Ganonoque Marina in Ontario. Thought I’d share the results of our biggest worry about taking Honey on a sailboat. How do you get a timid dog, who doesn’t like to swim, aboard a boat? How about a ramp? But …
When You’re As Scared As Your Dog
The panting, quivering, cowering—no one likes to see their dog feeling scared. So we turn to tools to make them feel better. We buy Thundershirts and calming treats. We use training to build up their resilience to scary experiences before they’re terrified. And sometimes we just cuddle them and stroke them while telling them everything …
My Dog is a Dangerous Weapon
Sure, she looks cute. And fluffy. And sweet. But she’s a catastrophe hiding in fur. My dog is a dangerous weapon. Let me tell you why. A Walk in the Park Sunday was a beautiful day. Why not take Honey for a walk in the park? Honey’s a good walker. She doesn’t pull. She matches …
Top 12 Ways To Ruin Your Dog’s Recall
I’ve had dogs with the best of recalls. And dogs with the worst of recalls. But even my roaming adventure dogs would have done better if I hadn’t done all kinds of stupid things to ruin their recall. How to Ruin Your Dog’s Recall Go ahead. Try these things. And see if it doesn’t totally …
Walking Barefoot in the Snow – A Dog World Problem
(This post has a soundtrack.) You’ve heard of first world problems. But your true suffering comes from Dog World Problems. Let’s take a closer look. Your Turn: Would you walk in the snow barefoot for your dog?