Category: Sparky (Page 5 of 44)

To foster a nurturing learning environment, we started joint training exercises.  Both dogs are given the “sit” command or the “crate” command.  If a dog gets it right, he gets a treat.

Sparky could play this all day.  I gave the “crate” command while Sparky was already in his crate.  He went over to Rusty’s crate to make sure he got a treat.  

We’ve practiced this about three dozen times, so Rusty has a good chance, and he can just do what Sparky does.  Nope.  He did get one treat for sitting down, but that was probably an accident.

While at Tractor Supply to get a couple of pet gates, I picked up some balls for Rusty.  This might keep him from chewing on Sparky’s toys.  

Rusty appreciated it.

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When I was lying in bed this morning, the radio said it was -4^o F.  That might have been in Akron.  They didn’t make a big deal about it, so I wondered if schools are still calling off if the windchill is below zero.  I doubt it.  Parents don’t want to spend that much time with their kids.

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I was concerned enough about Rusty’s disinterest in toys or playing, that I asked the vet when we were in for his check-up.  She said that some dogs aren’t big on toys, or Rusty may not feel comfortable yet.

Life can be boring for a dog with no hobbies, and a bored dog will get bad ideas.

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Rusty is a nice puppy. 

Sparky is locked up, so he’s taking a nap in his crate.  Life would be great if they could reliably get along.

Maybe Sparky is a bully or this could be some alpha dog protocol that I don’t understand.  I’m worried that this may not work out.

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Sparky is the salty boss, when the over-eager new guy comes in.

Watch the tails and the feet.  Rusty comes in with a big idea.  His tail is wagging like mad, but his shifty feet show that he isn’t sure how the boss is going to like it.

The boss is busy licking something and doesn’t want to be disturbed.  Sparky’s tail is straight out in the, “I’m not dicking around” position.  His front paws are planted.

After he lashes into Rusty, notice how Sparky’s tail wags happy in the end.

Sparky is a boss.

When we go on walks, Sparky will occasionally go off in a different direction like he’s got some kind of plan.  He just expects me to follow because his idea is better than mine.  He is a confident and decisive leader.

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Sparky and Rusty made peace, and now they can both take an afternoon nap.