Our dogsitters think we're strict. In the world of dog training, I assure you that we're barely doing anything. However, we do have some rules.
Rule #1: The dog isn't allowed on the furniture.
This rule started when we first adopted her because we wanted Zelda the Cat to be able to escape from the dog if needed. However, when Hannah had some back issues it became more of a law than a rule. However, don't feel too bad for her. She doesn't really like to cuddle and there are plenty of places for her to lay down that aren't on furniture. See photo proof below. She's not allowed to go upstairs, either, which means I don't know if Hannah's ever even seen a human bed.
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Rule #2: Dogs have to stop and let the human look both ways when you come to an intersection on a walk. We used to have her sit at each intersection, but it honestly takes too much time and sometimes it's wet and sometime it's cold. Now I will accept a standing halt. A clicking noise with my tongue and "good girl" is her release.
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| It's been very cold here the last week. I'd love to put boots on her front paws, too, but they are rubbing her dewclaws raw. This is the best we can do for now. New boots have been ordered, but I suspect they won't come in until the weather is warmer. |
Rule #3: The dog has to wait on her pad until she is released to eat her meal. This is basically to prevent us from tripping over her. Safety first! "Get your breakfast/dinner!" with a huge arm flourish is her release for food.
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| Food is on the left in the purple puzzle dish. Dog is on the right on her pad. Winter accessories are everywhere. |
Rule #4: Steps outside have proven to be verrrry challenging for Hannah. I think that's because she doesn't do any steps in our house. So we do one step at a time. I have been trying to get the number up to two at a time, but whenever I increase the number, she takes all the steps at a run. This is dangerous, particularly when it's slippery outside, so we're back to one step at a time with a very tight leash. When we get to the bottom, I put more slack in the leash and she knows she can do more than a step at a time.
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| It was 4F/feels like -11F when I took this photo. She had just put her whole muzzle in a snowbank. Dogs are weird. |
Do you think we're strict? What are your house rules that are never broken?
Those are good rules to keep Hannah happy and safe. My cats go wverywhere- there are no rules. My daughters dog is allowed on the couch, as he snuggles so nicely, but not my bed. My people rules are no food outside of the kitchen or dining area. I don't want crumbs and dishes everywhere. Occasionally broken but I mostly win.
ReplyDeleteI love the photos of Hannah all bundled up! Yes, these rules seem strict to me but that's because I only have cats, and cats pretty much do whatever they want. Apparently the people in my house do whatever they want as well, because I can't think of house rules that are never broken. We take our shoes off in the entryway- I guess that's a house rule. Hmm! Maybe I need more rules around here- no wonder the house is a mess.
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