Meet my dog Lizzie. Lizzie is a Jack Russell Terrier, reportedly one of the most intelligent dog breeds on the planet. Most days I would agree with that statement. She learns very quickly, and she is quite well-behaved....
Until company comes.
When company comes, Lizzie morphs into someone else's dog. I'm sure of it, because MY dog *ahem* never acts like that. So, to recapture the normal behavior of MY dog, I have devised (and tested) a plan.
I have company coming this weekend. My cousin, whom I've not seen for a couple of years and who is a total stranger to Lizzie, is visiting from Virginia. She is bringing her dog, adding to the potential craziness of my dog. So, when I stopped at Kroger to pick up a few items for the week, I also picked up two nice-sized soup bones. They're in my fridge right now. I'll be cooking them tomorrow.
No, I'm not making beef vegetable soup. (Though that sounds like a pretty yummy meal to serve guests!) I'm making a distraction. I'll store the cooked bones in the fridge until Thursday evening when my cousin arrives. At that time, we'll spread out an old blanket in one corner of the kitchen and give Lizzie her bone. When my cousin's dog enters the house, we'll invite him to the blanket and give him a bone too.
Trust me... I've done this... And it works. The dogs are so intent on those bones that they could care less about us! And I like it that way.
For more ideas that work, stop by Works for Me Wednesday hosted by We Are THAT Family.
Until company comes.
When company comes, Lizzie morphs into someone else's dog. I'm sure of it, because MY dog *ahem* never acts like that. So, to recapture the normal behavior of MY dog, I have devised (and tested) a plan.
I have company coming this weekend. My cousin, whom I've not seen for a couple of years and who is a total stranger to Lizzie, is visiting from Virginia. She is bringing her dog, adding to the potential craziness of my dog. So, when I stopped at Kroger to pick up a few items for the week, I also picked up two nice-sized soup bones. They're in my fridge right now. I'll be cooking them tomorrow.
No, I'm not making beef vegetable soup. (Though that sounds like a pretty yummy meal to serve guests!) I'm making a distraction. I'll store the cooked bones in the fridge until Thursday evening when my cousin arrives. At that time, we'll spread out an old blanket in one corner of the kitchen and give Lizzie her bone. When my cousin's dog enters the house, we'll invite him to the blanket and give him a bone too.
Trust me... I've done this... And it works. The dogs are so intent on those bones that they could care less about us! And I like it that way.
For more ideas that work, stop by Works for Me Wednesday hosted by We Are THAT Family.
6 comments:
She is adorable!
Great idea. I have a Jack Russell terrier/chihuahua mix so you can imagine how obnoxious she can become. I am hosting a craft day at mu house Saturday....guess I will be buying some bones to cook up for her to keep her entertained!
Thanks, Ann! This is picture is from her more puppy-ish days. But she's a sweet little dog (most of the time!).
Annikke, you're feeling my pain here, aren't you? You know the jumping, running, and overall craziness if you have a dog like mine. I'm glad that this can help with your craft date. I'm sure you - and your guests - will be glad for the time spent preparing. :)
I'm dealing with puppy meets people issues as well. I'm trying to get through it by using cheerios. Yes, you heard me, "Cheerios" our dogs love Honey Nut Cheerios and If I give the bag of (shh, they think it's cookies)goodies to the visitor the dogs calm down. Just don't feed your fingers to the dog, hold your hand flat with the "cookies" in your palm.
awww so adorable!!
Hi jennifer, After reading about Lizzie, we want to send you a complimentary copy of Snow Vallley Heroes, A Christmas Tale...it's the Third Volume in the Planet Of The Dogs series...
I am emailing you with more information.
Best wishes,
Robert
Barking Planet Productions
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