Chewy's Rules of Dog Etiquette, Part 1

Chewy lives by his own particular set of rules. Some of his behaviors evolved from things we taught him to do, while others he just decided were proper for a pup!

Rule #1: Sit and you shall receive.

When Chewy was a puppy, we taught him to sit for food and pats. Now, he sits and stares at you to signal that he wants something, such as a treat from the treat jar, a toy from his toy bin (that he's too afraid to dig through on his own), or a bite of what you're eating.

I am sitting. Please share!

Rule #2: Counter surfing is prohibited, but sniffing is allowed.

Chewy has stolen 2 things off the kitchen counter in his lifetime, both when he was a young pup. The first was a single cooked chicken tenderloin from a whole plate that was meant for him, and the other was a ginger root freshly dug from the garden, which he chewed up and hid behind various pieces of furniture. He wasn't reprimanded for stealing from the counter because we didn't discover the thefts until later, but we did train him to stop standing up to check things out. Since then, he has reformed his pilfering ways and now sticks to only sniffing. He'll get his nose as close as possible while keeping all 4 paws on the floor, and if he smells something he thinks is for him, he'll apply Rule #1 and sit and wait.

I smell yum yums!

Rule #3: Don't overstay your welcome.

Chewy's Tips for Being a Good Dog Host

The holiday season is a time for gathering with friends and family, and sometimes that includes dog guests, too! If your dog is comfortable welcoming other dogs into your home (some are not!), Chewy has some tips to ensure a merry celebration with furry, 4-legged friends.

Tip #1: Decorate with shatterproof ornaments, especially in areas within reach of dogs (and young children).

Hmm...are sparkly balls NOT for playing fetch?

Tip #2: Prepare a feast of healthy, dog-friendly delights for happy and content bellies.

Unseasoned, roasted turkey breast and veggies, and pies for dessert!

Tip #3: Have clean-up supplies on hand in case of accidents or territorial claims of the pee variety.

Please don't pee on my bed...

Tip #4: Show gratitude for any host gifts your guests bring.

Thanks for the Santa!

Tip #5: Share your belongings.

Including your toys,

your bed,

and your water bowl.

Tip #6: Plan activities to entertain your furry friends, such as preparing treat-dispensing toys.

Tip #7: Eat from your designated dinner bowl. No stealing food, no matter how slowly your guests eat!
 

 Tip #8: Take some time to snuggle with the human guests so they don't feel left out.

 Tip #9: Don't forget to have fun!

I'm gonna catch you!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Chewy's Guide to Being an Office Dog

Since today is Take Your Dog to Work Day, Chewy would like to share his tips on surviving the office dog life. We have a home office, so pretty much every day is Take Chewy to Work Day, and Chewy considers himself somewhat of an expert on the matter.

Tip #1: Don't leave your tail/tail feathers in the path of wheelie chairs. Ouch!

Chewy keeps his tail safely against the wall, away from evil chairs

Tip #2: Let the humans work...to a point. They need to make money to buy you food, and toys, and treats... A good use of that time is to nap, chew, or even groom your fluff.

Tip # 3: Don't be afraid to express just how bored you are. Maybe someone will take pity and play with you. Or better yet, rub your belly!

Tip #4: Bring over a toy to subtly hint that it's playtime. If they don't get it the first time, bring more!

Tip #5: Rest your head on armrests to get people to pet you. If that doesn't work, jump on their laps. They love that!

Tip #6: Things will get stuck under the copier. It's a fact of office dog life. Just lie there sadly staring under it until someone rescues your toy/chew/treat.

Tip #7: As an office dog, your job is of utmost importance: to keep all the employees happy! Check on them periodically. See if anyone needs to go on walkies or play fetch.

Tip #8: Sometimes visitors are afraid of dogs, and you'll get put behind a baby gate or perhaps in a crate. Work those innocent puppy eyes and waggy tail as best as you can. If that doesn't get them, it's ok. Someone fun will come along eventually!

Hope you all got to enjoy Take Your Dog to Work Day!

Tail-wagging Tuesday- by Chewy: Guide to Baking Supervision

Herro! Chewy here, with more helpful tips for all you doggies out there. This week, I present my guide to baking supervision.

Tip #1: When your humans start making doggie treats, be on standby. Make routine sniff checks so only things you like go into the batter/dough.

Tip #2: Look cute and excited to increase your chances of getting samples. This is purely for quality control purposes, only.

I know something yummy is happening!

Mmm...fresh peanut butter. Approved!

Tip #3: Be patient. You will be rewarded for your perseverance soon.

Tip #4: Guard the oven from treat thieves. There might be some squirrels planning a heist. You never know.

Tip #5: Keep a close watch so your humans don't "accidentally" burn your treats.

Tip #6: Taste test every batch.

Supervising is hard work. But with these tips, you, too, can be an excellent baking supervisor!

Now, off to enjoy the fruits of my labor. Bye!

Tail-wagging Tuesday- by Chewy: Guide to Walkies in the Snow

Herro! Chewy here. Welcome to my new feature: Tail-wagging Tuesday- by me, Chewy. Yay! First off, let me personally thank you for visiting our blog. Kisses?

I now present my guide for walkies in the snow.

Tip #1: Do not walk on shoveled paths. You and your human will have SO MUCH MORE fun treading through snow. Walk through/hop over it, eat it, and make snow angels. You have to leave the sidewalk to pee on trees, anyway.

Tip #2: Climb EVERY snow mountain. People only shovel their driveways to make snow mountains for us doggies to play in, right? Make them feel appreciated.

Tip #3: Every few feet, dive into the snow head first and just lay there. It hugs your belly! Don't worry, your human will gladly wait for you.

Tip #4: Walk on everyone's untouched lawns and leave your cute doggie tracks all over them. Your neighbors will love your artistic touches.

Tip #5: Run away from salt trucks and snow plows. They will eat you. Take your human home IMMEDIATELY upon sight to avoid danger.

Tip #6: Don't forget to sniff for treasure. There might be a giant stick hiding under all that snow!

I hope my guide helps you next time it snows. You'll have the best day ever!


Now, off to find a good nap spot. Bye!