Puppies Will Be Puppies

Hey Folks!

Here’s the thing. I love my puppy–I really do. He’ll be an amazing Service Dog. Mark my words.

But we are in full toddler/adolescent mode (Ms. Amanda says we’ve moved on, but it looks the same to me. Are there more fits in adolescence than as a toddler? Is that how you know?), and there are some things that make me just want to scream. Or laugh. Or cry. I’m honestly not sure sometimes.

As the whole point of this blog is a “this is normal” assurance for others training Service Dogs, I’m just going to vent for a little bit.

Again. I absolutely ADORE my dog. The following does 👏 not 👏 change 👏 that 👏 at 👏 all.

For those who don’t know, I dabble in many things in order to pay the expenses for my little friend. One of those things is an online store where I sell crocheted items. Little crocheted plushies, earrings, headbands, bags, various items like that. Normally, I have several projects going at once. To keep them organized, I keep them in plastic shopping bags. You know, the kind you get leaving a store? The glorious thing about this setup? For some reason, Yaha loves going and grabbing yarn balls and plastic bags. And ripping up the plastic bags.

Paper, too. Any paper products. Bags, toilet paper, paper towels. This includes tissues and feminine hygiene products, too. Both used, of course. Like, dog, that’s gross! Whyyyyy?

Wood, too. And plastic in general. Meaning we can add pens, pencils, rulers, and his poop bags to the list. Mercifully, those aren’t usually used.

Sponges are a hit, too. And dirt. Just. Plain. Dirt. And sometimes the poop of the neighborhood rabbits that get into our yard because, I swear, there’s a conspiracy to torment my poor dog. And stuffing. Again, I refer back to the crocheted stuffed animals.

Being the smart puppy he is, he’s realized I’m not a fan of this little pastime of his. So, what does the spunky little scamp do when he thinks I’m not giving him enough attention? ‘Nana-na-nana! Look at me, being a sassy boy, human! Whatcha going to do? You can’t ignore me! I will eat it! Watch me!’ And the frustrating thing is he absolutely will!

His barking, too. He’s a young dog; he’ll get bigger and so will his bark. As it stands, now, though, it’s already deep. And can come off aggressive to the point I’m thinking, stop! They’re going to think you’re rabid! The fact that his lips get a bit foamy when he’s excited doesn’t help in that department, much, either. 🙃

We’re now somewhere around 85% confident he’s part Great Pyrenees; partly due to the barking. As Kelsie McKenzie at itsdogornothing.com , a Great Pyr owner herself says:

[My Pyrs] bark at people, dogs, plastic bags, screeching cars, birds, someone shoveling, kids playing, yelling on TV, weird noises, objects that aren’t where they are ‘supposed to be’, and us when they’re feeling particularly sassy. Great Pyrenees bark at anything they feel could possibly be a threat. Furthermore, they don’t stop barking shortly after the sound occurs or when the person is beyond the yard. Great Pyrenees bark and bark until they are absolutely, positively sure that their message was heard and understood.

Yep. Thusly, we are claiming Lab in the area of vocality. Actually, we’re claiming lab in every area possible aside from size (let’s get ‘great’ in here, please!), and energy level. (Pyrs are considerably less ball-of-energy-y than labs.)

He is part lab, however, and with that comes mouthiness. Mercifully, we were able to train him away from couches, remotes, TVs, cupboards, baseboards, etc. …for the most part. Generally he does go for his antlers and Nylabones. However… when he gets excited, he still doesn’t exactly get ‘let’s play!’ doesn’t translate into nipping. So there’s that. His nips have gotten notably softer–I don’t have to wear boots in the house 24/7 anymore! Yes, that’s a true story. Buuuut… they still happen. And puppy teeth aren’t called that because they’re any softer. Haha!

Aaaaand sometimes the tot doesn’t want to take a nap, and decides to claw and bite at his mat instead. Frustrating. (This was written before he ripped it up. I needed to catch back up on my other site to create the link above.)

Now.

Yes, dog-shaming photos are popular and funny and I’m just as guilty of laughing as the next person. However. These behaviors aren’t here to stay, nor can they be. We are working on all of these little challenges, so please don’t assume he clearly can’t be a Service Dog because he’s… well… a dog. All SDs are. You just don’t see it in public most of the time, because the vest legit flips a switch. I know, I was skeptical every time I heard that too. Then I got Yaha. Now? If he’s misbehaving, it’s a ‘want to go for an adventure?’, hold up the vest, and he generally shapes up by the time we’re in the car. 🤦‍♀️

So if you see a Service Dog in public? Either ignore us, or offer encouragement. (Some of us 🙋‍♀️ are fine answering questions, but others really can’t handle it.) Because when you’re constantly working with a dog, you don’t see the improvement. And if you ignore us, don’t assume our little snookums is a perfect angel all the time. It’s their best lie, usually, and has the potential to hurt everyone involved.

Remember, handlers: Neither of you were born to fail. Your cheat codes are viable. If you just need a win, get it. You can both do this. I believe in you!

And dogs? I know it’s hard, you can do it, listen to your person–they have great plans for you! (I know you can’t read, but your person needs the reminder, sometimes.)