When I received a copy of Tony Cruse’s book 101 Doggy Dilemmas I was beside myself…
You see, I never EVER win anything! And I love books!
It’s just doodley difficult to finish one nowadays.
It’s hard to read while in perpetual motion. #goingincircles
But this book was built with me in mind. 101 mini chapters defining some of the reasons behind my dogs behaviour.
Dog trainer Tony Cruse addresses those silly questions pet parents have – but are afraid to ask.
He’s able to disseminate that million dollar question –
Why does my dog do that?
His explanations for why does my dog –
- Lick me all the time
- Pant
- Show his belly
- Bark at the vacuum cleaner
- Chase bike riders
- Not go out in the rain
– were of particular interest to me because they’re actually antics of my Boys that I don’t understand.
Chapter 3 barked the loudest…
Every chapter provides a “situation, the reason why and quick tips.”
Here’s an abbreviated reason for jumping –
Situation – you walk in the door and before you know it, you’ve got 🐾🐾🐾 all over you.
The reason “why” – Dogs greet dogs at face level. It’s their way of introducing themselves, so they naturally want to do this with us too.
Quick Tips – have some favorite treats on hand. Before the jumping, drop one on the floor and repeat each time BEFORE he attempts to jump again.
My visitors are terrible as training assistants. They encourage the bad behavior. #everydoodletime.
So I decided to engage them in my little exercise…
They ring the bell – they grab a treat…
…then they enter…
Wouldn’t you know – as soon as I put the note, treats and table on the porch we’ve had no visitors! #itslonleyindoodleville
But I’m determined to see this through #sowewait
This is an enjoyable book. It’s like a reference guide you breeze through to the chapters that are of interest to you.
Ideal gift for the new puppy parent, as well as someone (like me) who lives and breathes “dog.”
Paws up and tail wags to Caren and Dakota from Dakota’s Den for hosting the raffle. #myluckschanging
Happy Hump Day
This is our “wordy” contribution in the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
January 6, 2016
I love reading about your dogs e end though I am no longer a dog mama. I am now a cat mama. Mydog got out and was hit by a car. I chose not to replace him with a dog as my health is getting worse and walking g is difficult for !me. I was offered 2 kitties and they moved in Sunday. They are slowly getting getting adjusted. One is friendlier than the other but I will persevere. Love your dogs
January 6, 2016
Thanks so much for sharing this with me Lynn. I am so sorry to hear about your dog. Losing a pet is the absoDOODLE worst. Cats are wonderful pets. I like cats but Doodle Dad doesn’t so that’s why we have dogs! Looking forward to having you hang out in Doodleville with us. Take care.
January 6, 2016
I am a big fan of mini chapters as well. Love your treat idea and I’m sure you will soon have some visitors.
January 6, 2016
Our problem is Mom loves having us jump up on her, and we don’t have a lot of visitors, so there isn’t much practice. Sounds like an interesting book. Mom isn’t much for books, but a good book like this she would read in one sitting.
January 6, 2016
Sounds like your mom is a lot like me – can’t find the time to even think about reading a book. Tell her I read it sitting on the couch in my office rubbing Jax’s back. It was finished in no time. PAWhaps you and your sisters can get your $$ together and give it to her for Mother’s Day.
January 6, 2016
Wilson is too dignified (and reserved) to ever jump on someone. Jimmy will but only if I encourage it. But they sure do BARK!!!
Happy New Year!
January 6, 2016
Taryn – there are chapters on barking at you / barking at strangers / barking at objects! Maybe his suggestions will work in one of those areas for you.
January 6, 2016
Hmmm, I am a jumper when greeting people too but no matter how high I jump, I can never make it to their face. I am too small. We have tried the “sit” technique but never even thought to put treats and a sign outside the door to get visitors to help. Brilliant idea!
January 6, 2016
Give the treat test a try OZ – what do you have to loose? If all else fails – at least you will always get something tasty when the bell rings!
January 6, 2016
Great idea with the treats at the door for visitors. I do a lot of training, then it all falls to pieces the first time someone other than me comes through the front gate!
January 6, 2016
Hi Erin – that’s precisely why I decided to have the “guests” give the treats. I have given up on me – but if I could stop the jumping on the visitors that would be #pawsome
January 6, 2016
Happy WW!
January 6, 2016
Happy Hump Day to you too!
January 6, 2016
Ugh YES the doodles out here in Doodleville West jump and jump and jump on visitors. Makes me not want to have friends over! Love your idea for the door. Going to give it a try!
Love this book–got to get a copy ASAP! A colleague is getting a doodle (this Saturday!!) am going to get this book for her this week too. Thanks for the recommendations!
January 6, 2016
Oh Deirdre that’s a great idea – this is going to be my “go-to” gift when someone I know brings home a new puppy. Let me know if you enjoy it as much as I did.
January 6, 2016
That book sounds really helpful!
January 6, 2016
Well since I haven’t had many visitors I don’t know about that yet – but it is a fun and easy read about a subject I adore – DOGS!
January 6, 2016
I LOVE your idea of the sign and treats by the door. What a great way to get everyone to help out with the training! Now all you need is a sign in the yard that says “Free treats on the porch!” They might be disappointed they’re not human treats, but you’ll have them hooked, lol!
January 6, 2016
Free treats may also bring every dog walker in the neighborhood too! They may think I’ve got a small bakery in the house LOL
January 6, 2016
Very good idea. Now tell me that this book has a remedy for him Following me in the house…even step I take, Then if I try to sit down, forget about it, there he is 2 inches from my face – & I’ll buy this book in a Second. 🙁
January 6, 2016
Get out your debit card Claudette – Chapter #31 “Why does my dog follow me everywhere?”
January 6, 2016
the hashtags are my favorite part. You are hilarious. How are the new digs? Everyone happy? LeeAnna
January 6, 2016
#hashtags are my thing 🙂 They’re meant to make you chuckle! The new digs are fine, still getting lost a bit when we venture out – but that’s the best way to find hidden treasures isn’t it? How’s your MD weather?
January 6, 2016
What a PAWsome read!
January 6, 2016
Thanks Earl – It’s a good book
January 6, 2016
This sounds like a great book for every pet parent. Unfortunately, our next door neighbors let their dogs run loose every afternoon so our food would be stolen. BOL! I’d love a Doodle greeting too.
January 6, 2016
I thought about that too MK – So I chose a tall table and a container with a lid LOL
January 6, 2016
I’m stealing your idea! But I’m tweaking it a little. I have trouble with Sinead fear barking at visitors, and when they rush to bend down to pet her, things get worse. I’ll bet a bowl of treats would help a ton.
Thanks for the idea!
Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie
January 6, 2016
Hi Jean – this is what it’s all about – sharing. #youaremostwelcome! Let me know how things work out!
January 6, 2016
I don’t live with a woofie but TW would love to read this book. She’s always playing with the neighbor’s dogs—except Tiny who’s as big as a horse—but wishing they wouldn’t jump on her and drool all over her clothes.
January 7, 2016
Then this book sounds like it’s PAWfect for you!
January 6, 2016
So glad you enjoyed the book, we thought it was a fun read!
January 7, 2016
It’s a true delight Caren – thanks again!
January 6, 2016
What a great win! That sounds like a great way to train the dogs to sit while greeting people. My cats would even sit if they knew they would get a treat for it! 🙂
January 7, 2016
Robin you’ve got the coolest cats ever! Love reading your blog!
January 6, 2016
ohhh I love your exercise, thanks for sharing!
January 7, 2016
You’re welcome JoAnn. Thanks for reading!
January 6, 2016
That is a great idea to put the treat outside the door.
January 7, 2016
Thanks Sarah, I’ll probably do a follow up in a few weeks and let everyone know how it’s going…
January 6, 2016
Great post! I love how you focused on one topic you learned about from the book. The sign you created to post by your front door is beautiful….as is your entire site, not to mention your Doodles!
I look forward to reading more…..
Happy New Year!
January 7, 2016
Thanks Jasmine. I’m delighted that we’ve found one another. Happy New Year to you!
January 7, 2016
I love reading books about cats and dogs and this book seems really great. I love the way you decided to train your visitors. Hope it works!
January 7, 2016
Rosa I hope it helps too! Jax is very muscular. He’s 60+ lbs now but it feels like 120 when he leans in on a jump. I’ve got to change that behavior, and this seemed like a positive way to do it. Paws crossed that it works. #followupsoon
January 7, 2016
Congrats on the book win! How cool is that? I like that expression…Happy Thump Day. #cleverdoodles 🙂
January 7, 2016
You go girl – you’re using hashtags! It’s a really cute book, if I could finish it while chasing Jax around the house, anyone can finish it. Great gift idea too.
January 7, 2016
Sounds like a great book – maybe I’ll get some ideas for our Mythbuster series!
January 7, 2016
Yes, you certainly would Slim.
January 7, 2016
That is an EXCELLENT idea! And your sign is so pretty (so’s your model). We made our guests help train Isis to lie on her bed when they came over. A few times I had to shove them out the door when she charged at them. They were all very good sports.
January 7, 2016
Thanks Kari – I’m thinking the treat station will help positively reinforce that they are to sit – allow our guests to enter, get a treat and prayerfully not jump afterwards LOL
January 7, 2016
OH MY DOODLE!!! WHAT A GENIUS IDEA!!
Why did I never think of that?!
I’ve had signs up before that said things like, “puppy in training please knock and wait.”
Or “puppy in training, please be patient.”
But I love the idea of a treat station and a sign at the front door! I think I will be incorporating this some point soon. Or maybe when I know guests are coming over. 🙂
January 7, 2016
I love you Aavery!!! You said “Oh My Doodle” #doodle*tastic! Yes, put up your treat station. The other day the delivery lady was willing to give them a treat! You’d be surprised how many people want to help! Good luck -can’t wait to hear about your experience!
January 8, 2016
People encourage Mr. N to jump all the time too. We just have a good “off” cue!
January 8, 2016
Oh Mr. N. you must share one day how you learned to listen to that cue! We’d love to try and learn.
January 8, 2016
Wonderful! I love reading stories like this, you must have been so proud. Hope you’re all doing well now!
January 8, 2016
Thanks Steve – please come back and visit again!