When the vet lifted the restriction on Ginny playing, I sighed with relief. It was hard to keep her from jumping on Honey. And I knew I was expecting a lot from Honey to expect her not to play back when Ginny pulled on her tail or nipped at her ankles. Luckily, Honey knows how …
Learning From Dogs
Use Your Voice – Good for the Dog; Good for You
It’s the same every morning. My dog Honey barks to tell me it’s breakfast time. Except she’s wrong. It’s not breakfast time. Her stomach clock has just gone off early. How do I tell her this and get her to stop barking? I use my “explainer” voice. I check my watch, look into Honey’s eyes, …
Sleep In – Good for the Dog; Good for You
“If you wake up early, you’ll be more productive all day long.” “Do your most challenging work in the morning, while you’re fresh.” “Productive people get more done by noon than most people get done all day.” With those kinds of messages everywhere I turn, it’s no wonder I get up so early—usually by 5 …
When You Feel Like Dancing, Dance – Good for the Dog; Good for You
Honey is often a solemn dog. But sometimes she can’t help herself. She spontaneously starts to dance. When company comes over. When it snows. When I drop her leash on a crisp, sunny day. First Honey takes a short hop on her back paws. She veers to the right and then to the left. She …
Stop Being Little Miss Perfect – Good for the Dog; Good for You
Honey has a lot of admirers on our walks. The runner who smiles when I sing out “with me” and Honey steps neatly off the pavement until he passes. The cashier who sees her waiting for me calmly when I stop to buy a newspaper at the store. And the local cat who is grateful …
Don’t Know What to Do? Do Anything: Good for the Dog; Good for You
When A Dog Doesn’t Know What To Do Honey loves when I bring out the clicker and treats. Lately, I’ve been bringing them along on our walks. The other day, I saw a utility pole with a white band around it about three feet off the ground. I wondered if I could teach …
Own Your Weirdness – Good for the Dog, Good for You
Golden Retriever Weirdness I had never lived with a swimming dog before. When Honey came home with us, I could hardly wait for the weather to warm up so we could see her in action. I just knew she’d love the water. Even as a little puppy, she’d swerve out of her way to walk …
Shake It Off – Good for the Dog; Good for You
All the dogs are playing and having fun. Then one dog does something rude or stupid. I’m not sure what. All three dogs separate from each other and shake. A few moments later, they’re back to chasing each other around the yard. Wouldn’t it be great if humans could learn to just shake it off …
Embrace Mixed Emotions – Good for the Dog; Good for You
One thing I love about dogs is their pure and simple emotion. But that doesn’t mean they never have mixed feelings. And as we say good-bye to our latest foster friends, I see it more than ever. My Dog Has Mixed Emotions Honey loves to play with other dogs. So every time we …
Assume the Best – Good for the Dog; Good for You
If someone fails to return your phone call, they’re obviously an inconsiderate jerk (and not just forgetful). A friend who just gives you a birthday card when you sent a $50 flower arrangement for her birthday last month is a rude cheap skate (they couldn’t possibly be struggling financially). And obviously, the guy who cuts …