More doggie news

[mousme]

I promise this won't be All Dogs, All The Time. Right now that's just the big new thing, though. ;)

So Sergeant is settling in, slowly but surely. He's got a lot of nervous energy, though, and even though we've been going for two walks a day and playing a lot in the park, he tends to pace around the house a bit. He does love the dog park, though. It's great for frolicking.



Also, the verdict is in: balls are for lame-os, sticks is where it's really at these days.



Generally speaking, he seems to think that if I threw the ball to begin with, it only makes sense that I should be the one to go get it. He'll chase after it, then leave it where it is and wander off. He does theoretically know how to play fetch, according to his previous family, but even they admitted he isn't enthusiastic about the activity. He does enjoy a good frolic, however.


He's also still determinedly making friendly overtures with the cats. The cats are, needless to say, unimpressed. Pan-Pan has once again attempted to eat his face, and George is reaching heretofore unknown notes in his attempts to growl Sergeant into submission. It's adorable. Pan-Pan's tail has been three times its usual size since Wednesday, with no sign of abating.

He has a very comfy bed, but the bed, it seems, is reserved for the repose of his toys, while he prefers the floor.



Otherwise, today he's been following me around a lot more rather than waiting at the door for his previous family to come back. He's demanding attention and pats and love, and was very disappointed when I didn't share my waffles with him. (You may be surprised to learn that, even though I am a giant softie who loves furry critters, I have a strict policy of no feeding animals at the table, and I don't encourage begging. Occasionally, healthy scraps might make it into a bowl, but rarely)

He is a handsome devil, isn't he?

Comments

[tx-cronopio.livejournal.com]

You say that like "All Dogs, All the Time" is a bad thing...

And he's gorgeous!

[mousme.livejournal.com]

Heh. Occasionally I should post about other things too. ;)

[roque-clasique.livejournal.com]

What a STUNNER! *snuggles him*

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

[mousme.livejournal.com]

Isn't he handsome?

And thank you!!!

[serenitylioness.livejournal.com]

I see that he's sleeping on the floor at the top of the landing in view of the front door. Good strategic positioning. I'm glad that he's coming to you for snuggles. Yay for walks and fun in the park!

[serenitylioness.livejournal.com]

Do you have time off from work now? How is he, or will he, adapt when you are working? Get him good and tired when you're home. Lots of love, exercise, play. Then hopefully he won't pace and/or chew the whole time you're at work. I think he'll be okay as long as you reassure him that you love him, love him, love him (which you seem to be doing :) )

[mousme.livejournal.com]

I'm off for two weeks. We're getting used to each other, and he's been good the few times I've left him alone so far. Right now we're working on long walks, lots of play, and as much love as he wants when we're home together. :)

[mousme.livejournal.com]

I moved his bed there after he made it clear he wanted to sleep there and watch the door. He has since taken to lying elsewhere, though, so I guess we're still searching for his "spot."

[serenitylioness.livejournal.com]

[off topic] cool Ivanova icon!

[catsarah.livejournal.com]

He really does remind me of my Ruff of childhood. I shall endeavour to dig out some photos to show you.

Learn to cook for your dog. Human food, made in a doggy way, is good for them, and helps when they decide they are "off" dogfood.

Also, for those nervous pacing moments; Does he chew? Get him a large Kong toy, stuff with peanut butter and low cal dog treats. Get him to settle in a spot and once he's settled for a bit, give him the Kong. Redirecting nervous energy is a must, when he doesn't have the supervision, he'll find things that might not be to your liking to divert his attention. Giving him something to do takes his mind off of whatever is making him pace. Toilet/papertowel rolls with a rattly treat inside, also good diverting fun once he realises what's in them. Have a basket of his toys where he can reach them and make it known he can go pick from the pile. Put his favourite at the bottom so he has to look for it. Play hide and seek with his favourite toy, make it easy the first few times so he gets the idea. Have chew toys around that don't involve treats.

Caring for a very elderly non mobile dog, I envy you your frolics!
<3

[le-maistre-e.livejournal.com]

I take it, from the lack of mention, that Smudge is hiding in the ceiling?

He really is a beautiful dog.

Also, only icon I have that even mentions anything about dogs. But it's really the complete opposite of how I feel.

[karine.livejournal.com]

noooo Smudge is so Basement Cat. Not Ceiling Cat.

[le-maistre-e.livejournal.com]

THIS!!! 100% THIS FTW!!!

karine, I'm not sure if you are who I think you are, but you win ALL TEH INTERNETS today and today only. Enjoy!!!

[foi-nefaste.livejournal.com]

He is just plain gorgeous, and seems so sweet!

I've very jealous. FYI. I'm told I can't have a dog until we move into a bigger apt (so, July...)

[ai731.livejournal.com]

Sticks, rather than balls, and lying in the middle of the hard floor are both things Carter does as well. When we get the right snow for it, try throwing snowballs for Seargent. Carter loves snowballs because he gets to eat them after he catches them. Actually, he does this with sticks, too - Carter things the point of chasing and catching something is that you get to eat it once you've caught it. I second the Kong idea, best dog toy ever. Carter isn't a big peanut butter fan, but loves his kong filled with his regular kibble, then topped off with a couple of spoons of (plain, sugar free) yoghurt and frozen. The only "game" he plays is taking things apart with his teeth, so we have to be very careful what kind of toys he gets. Extra-large rawhide "bones" and real bones from out local organic beef guy are his favourite "toys". Glad to hear he's starting to settle in.

Carter

[ankhorite.livejournal.com]

Does Carter like ice cubes?

If so, do you approve?

[ai731.livejournal.com]

He used to really like them, but now he seems more so-so on them, sometimes he'll take one and crunch it enthusiastically, sometimes he'll drop it on the floor and leave it. I approve, and offer them to him occasionally, mostly in the summer when I thing he might be over-heated. Snow, ice he finds himself outside, and snowballs are all more fun than ice cubes, it seems.

[maypoles.livejournal.com]

Oh man, he's beautiful! ♥

I have a retriever, and she's kind of the love of my life!

[mousme.livejournal.com]

Dogs are awesome. I didn't know you had a dog! I am thrilled for you. :)

[karine.livejournal.com]

HOW DID I MISS THIS?!

...

oh right, Christmas vacation means little net access. He's so handsome! :D

[le-maistre-e.livejournal.com]

You are who I think you are!! :-)

Of course, this is after my icon dump, including the one with an actual picture of me... *sigh*

[longpig.livejournal.com]

Wanna scritch those ears so bad. :3 You can never post too many doggie pics! :3

[de-nugis.livejournal.com]

DOOOOGGG! He is beautiful. So much poise and presence.

And you actually have snow! We are having this alarming winter where it never gets cold and the trees accidentally bloom and then all their flowers rot and die.

[mousme.livejournal.com]

We just started getting snow, actually! We had an anaemic snowfall right before Christmas, and over the past few days we've had regular small little snowfalls.

Isn't he gorgeous? And super, super friendly and patient and wonderful. TONS of energy, though.

Sergeant

[ankhorite.livejournal.com]

I've been staring at this post for three days.

Sooooo handsome. You're so lucky.

Welcome, Sergeant, be a good boy. You are going to love your new mama more than you can imagine today.