My dogs don’t shake. They don’t give a paw or high five, they don’t roll over. Hell, Gigi doesn’t even want you to notice she’s in your presence let alone touch her! I don’t teach my dogs tricks.
Pony and I spent the afternoon at a charity golf tournament yesterday. We helped at hole # 5 at Tee Off Against Cancer. We served beer and chatted with golfers while explaining the $10,000 prize if they should get a hole in one. For the most part, Pony just laid under the table and waited for someone to call him over. He obliged and lovingly received the attention and pets. I had brought along some treats because people like to give dogs treats. It was for a good cause so why not? He was a terrific morale boost but so many of them were disappointed that he doesn’t shake.
I’m not.
When I call him, he comes. When I tell him to do so he sits and lies down, he gets off the couch or onto a place I indicate. He keeps an eye on my nephew or brings back the kitty when he gets out. Pony maintains playtime perimeter and helps teach all the new dogs in the pack the ropes. He calms the nervous ones and plays fetch or chase with the playful ones. He offers comfort to the sad and joy to the heartbroken. He has laid patiently on the driveway while my godsons drew a chalk outline of him and has been known to sleep on the floor next to the crate of a terrified foster puppy who needed him to be able to sleep.
Gigi obeys the commands I give her and helps teach manners and boundaries to all the new dogs. She’s a shy girl and appreciates that I don’t make her socialize with strangers. She’ll take a treat gently if told to do so but she has no interest in performing for your entertainment. She’s not as outgoing as her brother but the role she plays in our family and business is no less important.
Most dogs come to me for training because they are lacking in basic manners. Gigi is super quick to let them know when they’ve violated her personal space. She’s quick to defend Ruben, the cat, which may seem strange but she’s also obsessed with his cat food so I’m thinking she doesn’t want to lose that meal ticket.
I often wonder if maybe I should teach them to shake so that they have a trick to show off. That thought never lasts long because who cares? When we’re walking and I tell them to sit and stay so I can clean up after them they do it even if an ill-behaved dog comes wiggling past trying to tempt them. If they take off after a bunny and I tell them to stop they do. Pony even helped a police officer locate and destroy a rabid groundhog once. He was so proud! They get a drink or potty on command. That’s super helpful on a hot day and I don’t want them to get dehydrated or in the middle of a blizzard and I don’t want to be standing around outside while they find the perfect spot. They set a fine example for all the dogs in our pack and lead the way. If I want to watch a soccer or baseball game they lie on their little mats next to my chair and don’t fuss so I can be the crazy aunt cheering on the sideline. They love me unconditionally.
But they don’t shake.
I’m totes cool with that.
Love & Belly Rubs,
Zia
Great read! Thank you!
My grandpup can do tricks but he seems to be a little light in the manners department. He is doing better since he started staying with me while his dad settles in a new job and apartment. I would rather he had better manners than did tricks.