Must Be the Sled Dog in Him

Well it's been a couple of weeks since my last post. So whats new? Not alot. We did take Cuervo up north for four days of x-country skiing. Rented a nice place surrounded by state land, a jacuzzi and lots of solitude. Cuervo ran himself ragged of course but by the 3rd day the weather got so blooming cold it wasn't ideal skiing conditions so we pretty much hung around the house for the last day or two.

Anyhow, fast forward to back home. When Cuervo was a puppy I trained him to "do his daily deed" in his pen and not in the yard. So I never have to worry about accidently stepping in any "landmines" in the yard if you know what I mean.

Because Cuervo is such a hunter of sorts, especially at night, and has had numerous run-ins with skunks and possums and whatever else he sniffs out in the back yard. Well anyhow I tie him up to a 20lb brick in the evenings in the backyard when he doesn't want to hang out in the house and it's to early to put him to bed in his pen. So he just chills in the backyard and takes in the surroundings once it gets dark outside until he either wants to come in or time to go to bed.

Earlier this week he was tied up to his backyard brick about 8pm and we were watching a basketball game on the tube. When Cuervo wants to come in he'll bark. Well he barked a couple of times and we ignored him while we watched the game. About 20 minutes later I checked on him and was shocked to find out that he obviously had to go to the bathroom but rather than just go in the yard like he knows is wrong, he dragged that 20lb brick 39ft (I walked it off) to his pen so he could stretch far enough in there to go potty rather than go in the yard. I was so impressed and pleased to what extent a well trained dog like he is will go to to avoid upsetting his master. He had to go so he did what he had to and he figured out he could drag that brick across the snow to get where he could go. Most dogs would've just barked and barked. Cuervo's sled dog bloodline took over and he decided not to wait for me and drag that brick instead.

I think ANY dog can be trained the basic obedience commands. So many people get a dog with the intention of maybe working with it and having a great pet. For the first couple of weeks of getting a dog it's the center of attention in the family. Then routine sets in and the dog doesn't get the attention it craves anymore and it starts chewing on things, relieving itself in the house etc. The owner gets upset obviously and punishes the dog, who incidently doesn't know right from wrong because it was never taught the difference. After awhile the dog is shoved outside, neglected for the most part, and left to ponder his existence out in the backyard while tied to a chain in the corner. Thats not good.

Always remember this and you'll have half the battle won with a new dog: every day a dog needs ATTENTION, DISCIPLINE, AND EXCERCISE. You remember those 3 things and you'll eventually have a well rounded pet who'll be a great addition to your family. If you can't supply those 3 things, every day, then you might not be the best candidate to have a dog. Obedient dogs are relatively high maintenance at first, but once trained you'll have a fantastic pet that will be your best friend and one that respects you.