Funny girls

After a morning walk, the dogs eat breakfast and then settle in for a nap. Spike's under the weather, eating grass on our walk, and for the first time I can remember, refusing food. He lies in his crate for an hour, goes out for another few grass blades, then settles on my lap. Bella settles in for a sleep beside Misty, the Havanese who's here for the week. We have no more snarling from Bella. Misty will go to a teen gal (they met last night) who is looking forward to girl doggie company.

Bella is having a blast. One of Missy's toys is a ladybug. I couldn't figure out the big deal about it. It was cute, but had a hard core. Hmmm. Bella surprised me by finding a pull cord under the ladybug tail. She tugs it with her teeth and watches it hiss its way back into the toy. When she finally lets it go, Spike shakes it, tries to find a squeaker, and does a manly toss and chase. They're different personalities.

Bella has become quite the destroyer of Beanie Babies. She patiently pulls out the eyes and nose, then starts on the stuffing. We have plastic pellets and soft fluff throughout the house until I pick it up. She loves to pull out the squeaker and bite it to bits. Other than that, she doesn't chew on other things.

Missy is calm, friendly to all, and relaxed. She loves to come over for hugs and pats and stopped jumping on us after we put out our knee a few times. She's SO smart and quick to learn! A few tugs on the leash, and no more pulling. She will make Alexis a good companion. I planned to keep her for a week-long evaluation, but if I don't hand her off, she might end up staying... not a possibility, according to my husband.

Good doggies, one and all.

War zone

(Left: imagine the photo is of black dogs) You'd think we were in a war zone. Today I watch carefully how the dogs get to growling and rolling around the floor.

1. Spike walks over to Bella. Really close. Brushes against her. Lies back down about 1 foot away, chews on his foot, and growls.
2. Bella walks over to Spike, leans on his head. Rolls over and opens her jaws on his face, growling fiercely.
3. Spike bounces his face in Bella's mouth, growls, paws at her.
4. She rolls over, continues the game, chews his front feet while he chews her ears and head.

It sounds very mean and intimidating. If a dog came toward me, sounding like that, I'd freeze!

But they are having such a blast. Breakfast has been consumed, they've had a nap in the crate, and they're ready to play. Good doggies!

Slippery slope

Both dogs are on the treadmill for a 20 minute walk on a sloped track. It's been a long Saturday for them. We did our usual jaunt in the this morning, maybe 2.5 miles. They were frisky, and I felt energized by the sun and crisp air.

Bella is quite the tracker! When they are allowed ahead on the walk (on my "Okay!" off they go,) she trots off in a straight line. Poor Spike, who likes to stop to lift a leg at every second post. He'll often only get a quick sniff before she's off, irresistibly dragging him with her.

On the treadmill, Spike has the longer lead. He's heavier so when he gets in front he pushes Bella off to the side. If I'm anywhere nearby, he turns his head to look back.

These boots are made for walkin'

Like the photo's varied colors (not our dogs), Spike and Bella have different personalities. They play, complement each other, and keep each other company. Today dawns sunny and bright. The trees are swaying in the wind as God does his branch housekeeping.

When the dogs and I head out the door, the driveway is strewn with a few tenacious leaves, needles, twigs, and branches. Energy is high. We walk briskly until

Slam!!! I'm on my back, slain by black ice that has drifted across the sidewack. Gingerly, I get up, brush off the wet, and call the dogs back. They come right away, stopping a few feet away as the Flexi-leash grates across the cement.

My tailbone is still bruised, but we had a great morning in the light, bright air. The dogs are begging to eat, and I've put food in their crates after the walk as usual. Time for breakfast! Good doggies.

Rain city

 It's rainy and sandy on the roads again. Ugh. At least there's more light, earlier and later. By 6.30, there was a lightening of the sky, something I haven't noticed since last fall.

We tried the yellow raincoat on Bella a few weeks ago, and she kept looking down and stepping on the front skirt. She still sniffs around at the beginning of the walk, and we're working on "heads up."

Spike on the other hand is less aware of his indignities and jogged with it on, even though his legs are shorter. He doesn't play around until about halfway through the walk when he gets permission. We put an Outward Hound raincoat on him most mornings, with a few pebbles in each side pocket. He got a reprieve to yellow slicker and trotted along without a problem. He looks a bit like a seal or otter, smooth head sticking out of the plastic opening.

For Bella, we decided on a red girly coat, which she seems to like. Someone gave it to us with some dog sweaters. It hugs her better, and is a bit shorter so less protective. So, she's dirtier, but happier. At least her back isn't soaked and soiled when we get back to the house.

Upon coming inside after the walk, I "wipe your feet," taking their paws and cleaning them on the rug. Bella has mastered the "wipe, wipe!" on one blanket of the entry bench. I wish she'd stay on the entry rug like Spike does, scooting around until he's clean and dry. But nope, it's every dog for itself... she swipes her sides back and forth to tidy up or scratch after we take the coats or sweaters off. Good doggies!

So that's how it's done!

We bought a steel comb for Bella, and each time she came in the door today, I combed through another limb or part of her curly body hair. What a huge difference in taking out the tangles!

The groomer took photos of Bella "after" her session Sunday, and I thought it was a nice thing of her to do. Barkers, Edmonds.

It would be nice to keep Bella matt-free. It's quite a feat with poodles. They are inclined to snarl their hair when it gets wet, scratched by a paw, or tucked into a coat. One or the other happens nearly every day, let's face it.

The groomer mentioned Bella's dry skin and suggested oil or fat in her food daily, and washing no more than once a month. Hence the comb. It took the groomer 45 extra minutes to free the knots, and I use the slicker brush regularly. I can't imagine if I just leave Bella for a month... our slicker is too fine to untangle her without scratching her skin.

She didn't seem to mind the comb-outs. A true girl. I used the same comb to pet Spike, and he just reveled in the light all-over scratch. Good doggies!

Red ribbon day

The dogs went to the groomer yesterday and came back with red bows for Valentine's Day. Bella's is almost hidden on her collar by her fluffy haircut. She has tiny poodle feet again, which I love. "Leave the head and tail big, please," I ask the groomer.

The groomer is an experienced hand who used to trim a lot of poodles. "75% of our clients in the shop in Hollywood were poodles," she says. "They are the only civilized dogs left on the planet. Now we have 75% shih-tzus." And she sighs heavily. "I do so love poodles! C'mere, Beauty!" as she lifts Bella up to the table.

My daughter-in-law immediately liberated Spike from his red bow, "You're a boy, you don't need ribbons!" That made me laugh. He snuggled up with her and didn't miss his decor one bit.

This morning, since Bella's hair was blown out beautifully, she is only "half-curled" from trips outside in the rain to do her business. 
I thought we'd try the dogs inside on the treadmill instead of hiking in the rain. After my 1.5 hour exercise class, I am barely able to chug up the hill with the dogs, and they'd be soaked and dirty afterward.

Spike finishes his second round of a slow jog. He usually takes 2-3 miles to move his gut, and he's probably done more than that. He keeps turning his head when I'm in view, wondering when he's done, so I sit where he can't see me. Bella poses for a few pics in the conservatory where there's enough light to capture her face. Inside, she's a blur of dark hair that absorbs light rather than reflecting it to the camera. She's up to a healthy, happy 8.5 lbs when I weigh her this morning. Spike seems to be holding his own at 12 lbs.

No luck on moving Spike's digestion, so he goes into the crate to eat breakfast while Bella starts on the treadmill. She's not happy to be exercising after smelling Spike's food, but walks along without too much fuss. Good doggies!

Grooming looming - votes needed

This weekend, I'm taking the dogs to a new groomer. Spike's rubbing his ears and scooting on his hiney (anal glands?) and Bella needs a beauty treatment. So, I've been looking at poodle pictures for Bella. I found a pattern in the cuts I like, poofy head (not narrow) and long ears. If the groomer will do her head the way I like, I'm sold.

Vote on your favorite, please!

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love this one #3

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 best one, and would suit little Bella! = #5

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8.

Dogs in coats

We were out in the conservatory most of the day: the dogs cuddled up near the heater while I studied. It was sunny but freezing on our walk this morning: all of us were happy to be back in the house.

We've got a plethora of dogs wandering the neighborhood, peeing in everyone else's yards. The neighbor's terrier was all alone across the street, no owner in sight. It's dangerous and irritating, because Spike now scoots up the driveway to sniff around. I have to put him on the long leash, something I didn't do for months because he stayed close to home. Bella would do whatever he does. With him on the leash, she stays near the front door like she always has.

Our other neighbor's dog starts a ruckus if our dogs go out the door. He's a mean-looking medium sized mutt with a vicious bark. The teen owner and his friends built a fence around their yard so the dog at least is not loose.

Bella and Spike were not happy that I put them on the coffee table for a photo shoot the other day. It took 2 minutes, and they patiently hung in there. (See the photos? Not happy.)

Spike is getting more and more pug-like in shape. Squarish back legs, and his chest is filling out. Don't know if he's eating too much (weighs nearly 13 lbs) or if he's putting on heavy muscle from all the exercise. Bella's sturdier than she used to be, but still looks oh-so-skinny at bath time. I've let her hair grow out for winter, and she's usually warm with or without the coats. Today at 30oF was definitely a coat day. Good doggies!

Dog days of winter

Over a week has gone by since the last update, but it's not because we've been sitting around. We walk or bike 2-4 miles a day, plus what the dogs do on the treadmill in late afternoon (usually 20 minutes of a slow trot or quick walk.) So they're fit, eating well, and sleeping the long night through.

Someone gave us matching dog sweaters. Spike doesn't know that black leather collars with spikes are hardly usual accessories for pink and navy plaid. I put them on the dogs a few times last week, when they'd have to play in the cool conservatory. I prefer that they have room to romp and play with their toys rather than crating them, and it seemed every second day I had a few hours away.

About the third time I pulled the sweaters out, Spike refused to come when I called. He knew what was up. I bribed him to come with food and he reluctantly walked over. I tossed some garlic liver bits in, and once he was in the conservatory, he raced Bella for them. She's not hesitant to bound into the space, so she wiped most of them up before he had a chance!

We've met more and more neighborhood dogs, and Bella is better socialized and usually happy to see them after a minute or two.

Bella still throws a fit occasionally when people come to the door. Yesterday, a friend came for tea and Bella yipped as though there was danger arriving. She finally subsided: Tirza had done just the right thing, standing in place and waiting for the hysteria to subside.

After Tirza and I finished tea in the conservatory, we wrapped warm blankets around us, put our feet up on the chaises, and chatted. The dogs hopped onto Tirza's lap for hugs and strokes. Good doggies.

They must hear the car when I come up the driveway. Even if I walk to the conservatory door from the outside, they are waiting at the kitchen slider. We'll be wiping little fingerprints off the glass next year (our first grandchild is due this summer), but for now we are cleaning dog nose prints from the doors.

Learning to wait

Spike has settled down since Bella has arrived. He trots along with his Outward Hound jacket, pockets filled with stones. He takes his job seriously and holds Bella back, making her walk beside me rather than lunging in front.

Spike and Bella met a pair of lively sheepdogs at the far end of the neighborhood. The other hounds were barking up a storm, but settled down when the owner sat them down and made them visit. Spike peed on the lady's boots before I caught him. I apologized profusely.

She said, "Oh, dogs! Don't feel bad. My two have tried every trick on me already." Maybe Spike smelled something on her boots.

Today was a reading day for me, so after our walk through the neighborhood, we settled into the conservatory. The dogs got treats a few times for being settled (tiny garlic liver cubes).

Bella loves her camo bed and stays snuggled up most of the time. Spike is restless, snoozing for 15 minutes and then on the go again. When I took an afternoon nap, they wrestled each other on the floor and then curled up together on the sheepskin rug beside the bed.

After supper, I dipped some dry bread into lamb gravy and put it into their crates for bedtime. They couldn't hop in fast enough! Good doggies.

Drip dry

We met our neighborhood nemesis on the last mile of a three-mile morning's walk in the Seattle mist. Benny is a calm, off-leash herding dog who acts like he could care less about us. Seeing him usually sends Bella - and then Spike - into a barking frenzy. Today, after I put a stop to the racket, I asked the couple for permission to officially introduce the dogs.

"Sure, but Benny doesn't like small dogs," said the owners. "We tell him little dogs are mean and vicious." (Which probably explains the vibes Bella is picking up.)

Small dogs often are poorly socialized by doting owners. It's easier to let a little dog get away with things. I know I'm tempted because mine are so darn cute. I remind myself that they need boundaries and live happier as dogs than people. A dog who knows what's expected is more readily accepted by people and dogs around them, too.

"Their people keep picking them up, and they never learn good manners," said the dog walkers. But they stopped, let the dogs sniff around Benny, and all was well. He ignored them and walked up to his owner with a patient and relaxed stance.

"Hope that's done it," we said as we walked away. We're tired of Bella yapping and straining on the leash when Benny comes into view. If I don't catch her early, she sets Spike off, too.

I wouldn't trust our dogs off-leash yet: when Bella first got here, she and Spike tried to attack other dogs. They've been very good lately, and even ignored a cat this morning to walk peacefully by when I said, "Leave it." But off-leash? wouldn't count on it at this point.

We got in the front door, where the dogs wait patiently for me to take off their dripping coats and dry their legs and tummies. No sense in wiping the grit onto our rugs (especially in a shoe-free house.) When they were clean, they sprinted their loop through the kitchen, DR, LR, family room, and hall until they were panting. With 20 minutes on the treadmill in the evenings, they've become fit and content. Bella eats almost as much as Spike most days.

Otherwise, it's been a few days of walking and normal life around here. I've kept my eye on Bella, and yes... she's the one who starts the fun. She'll jump Spike when he's not looking and run away. If he doesn't chase her or catch her right away, she'll do it over and over. And if he chooses a toy, he might as well just hand it over unless he's in the mood for tug-of-war.

Spike never retaliates or goes after her toy unless they are fetching and he knows there's food. He snaps up any treats she drops. He's quick and efficient, but she's getting faster and hardly gives up a thing!

"Mom, I think Bella is getting food-driven," remarked Jono. She's still fussier about the treats she works for than Spike, though. Spike: it's edible, it goes down the hatch.

The kids were over Sunday for lunch. Watching them play, my daughter-in-law remarked that I have the pair I hoped for, two dogs who play happily together and keep each other amused. So true. Good doggies!

Walking fools

Not even Spike wants to go for a walk in the downpour this morning. His Outward Hound jacket with rocks in the pocket goes on without a hitch, but I have to give him a little tug before he starts moving toward the rain outside. We're all in rain gear. Bella has a new-to-her yellow raincoat, but when she puts her head down, it slips over her eyes and brings her to a skidding halt. She plants her feet until I pull the hood back away from her eyes and then she carries on, sulking. She puts her head down a few times and trips over the front. I try not to laugh out loud, but it catches me off guard. Really, I don't blame her for not wanting to wear the coat, but I dislike the smell and dirt of wet dog hair and it's cold outdoors. She had the sniffles earlier in the week, so "Bella-baby, it's for YOUR good."

When we get home, both dogs have wet, gritty stomachs and legs. I pick up Bella at the front door and carry her straight to the shower so she can't wipe herself off on our sofas. She's getting better: we have a designated blanket on one couch where she can do a "Wipe." She gives me a poodle-grin of satisfaction when I tell her she's a good girl.

When she's clean, she bounces all around the house, up and down the stairs, leaping through the halls. She's almost dry before we head for the conservatory to blow-dry her the rest of the way. I'm happy that she's cooperative. When she's brushed, she's a mass of fluff, soft and cuddly. She knows she's cute, and parades around me like the Belle of the ball.

Spike is Mr. Easy. His hair is still really short, so a quick shampoo, towel dry, and 3 minutes of scooting around on a towel finishes him in a hurry. He's no longer fussy about my touching his feet, either.

I toss their toys and bedding in the washer and wash out their crates. After they fool around with a few games of tug-of-war, they down a raw half chicken leg in their clean, bare crates. Then it's time for them to settle under my desk for a rest... while I study. Good doggies!

Walkin' walking' bikin'

I took the dogs for a 3-4 mile spin today. My odometer isn't working on the bike, which usually helps me gauge their speed and distance. Bella has picked up the pace and strength. She wasn't even panting after  walking, jogging, and running. Took us nearly an hour by the time we had walked a few blocks to get Spike to "duty".

The walk is supposed to drain their energy, but both dogs are ready to play when we walk in the door! I pushed Bella off Spike this morning. She's quite aggressive at times: she watches until Spike picks up a toy and wrestles him for it. When I look over a few minutes after her challenge, she's usually chewing the plaything.

Terrier style is to hang on and pull. Poodle style is to jerk, yank, and bounce. I wonder if Spike gets a headache from hanging on while all that energy is coming his way! Spike often walks away and gets another stuffed animal after a few minutes of sustained poodle bouncing. (Which doesn't guarantee that she won't try for the new toy.)

Yesterday she yelped while they were playing, so I stopped them. Looked like Spike was chewing on her ear. "No! Spike!" He must have nipped her or pulled her ear hair... hence the wild scream.

Why on earth? Oh... she had a little piece of dog food tangled in her hair; when she jumped him, he played a while and probably smelled the food. I cut the piece of whatever out and they went back to playing around. No harm done, though for a split second she sounded like he was killing her.

Our evening routine has morphed: they are frisking around the office while I study, so I've started walking them for 10-20 minutes on the treadmill, one at a time. (Spike runs down the middle and he's stronger, so Bella gets pushed to the side if they're on together.) They get a treat each time they're done, and seem pleasantly exercised.

We still need our fresh morning air though. This is the first time we've biked in weeks, with snow outside or file drawers blocking the bike. (We rehomed piano music for a retiring teacher, which meant 5 huge drawers in the entry for a week. Ugh.) They're chomping chicken legs this morning - they just love the RAW diet and have more energy and spunk than on kibble. Who thought we needed more spunk? Good doggies!

Another dog day

The rain is pelting down. We take a quick one-mile stroll through the school yard and neighborhood. The dogs do their business in a hurry, eager to get off the dripping streets. Today it's dry dog food day, which they gulp before a snooze in the crates.

I have to finish editing my conference paper, so I pull sweaters on their little bodies and put them on the sun porch, along with some toys. When I come back, they're ready to come in. They refuse to play without me in the room, though they tussled plenty in the office earlier.

I blame the poop left in my office after lunch on Spike since I've never caught Bella in an accident. They both look innocent. Argh, I didn't see it happen, though I was in the room. I had just let them back from outside, too! Spike doesn't seem to be able to predict when he has to go, and doesn't know how to tell me when he needs out.

Spike steps on the treadmill for the first afternoon trot. (Maybe he needs a diversion.) He maintains a steady pace, the tags clinking on his collar. Bella lies down beside me on a fleecy rug, waiting her turn. Good doggies.

Dogfight

We had a nice (1.5 mile) walk this morning. It's cold and Spike is almost naked under that fleecy coat. We're working on getting the treadmill walks down, too. Each spent 5 minutes trotting on the conveyer.

There were growling, licking, chewing, and other disgustingly funny noises coming from the two black heaps rolling around my office floor an hour ago. It looked and sounded like a fierce dogfight for about 3 seconds. Bella pounced on Spike. He pretended to chew on his Beanie Baby while gnawing on her. He held the toy under his paws, she'd pretend to grab it, swipe at him and snarl like a maniac, then chew on his ears and jowls. He'd reciprocate by charging her, licking her tummy (yes, she rolled over), lying beside her so she could paw him, etc. It was a lot of loud bluster and play.

Now they're busy hunting for kibble. "Find!" and off they go. I hide dog food samples under the rugs, behind furniture, and in their beds. It takes them almost 15 minutes to find all the little pieces but they stay at it longer. Hopeful. Both are good trackers and learning to use nose and paws to unearth their finds. They are so triumphant while crunching the little pebbles. (We only do this in the office so they don't think they can go rummaging through the house.)

It may snow tonight - but we're planning to put them on the treadmill for a 10-minute walk before bedtime. Good doggies!

Cesar's way

Yesterday I picked up a free treadmill, which W and Jono plunked in the LR so I'd have a chance to see if it works. It's not for me, but for the dogs. Cesar Milan recommends two walks a day with our cute beasties, and I can't afford the time! I put Spike and Bella on the treadmill with no problem. I stood on either side and they were off and walking. No hesitation, no noise either.

Bella slipped off the back once when I lost hold of her collar, but otherwise they did fine. Spike is heavier than Bella and a road hawg. He tries to stay in the middle, crowding her off to the side. We'll work on that!

On the morning walk, Bella showed off new social skills: she started with her usual growl-and-hide when other dogs approached, but then shaped up to sniff and walk nicely with two separate packs from the neighborhood. Spike was his usual friendly self.

They got a bath in the afternoon. Spike did his usual scoot on the towel to dry off. Bella tried out the cage dryer I picked up on the weekend: in a half hour she was reasonably dry and oh-so-curly. I shaved her face, feet, and privates and told her she was very pretty.

Spike is never happy to have his face done and kept bucking away. I decided to have a go at other body parts first. The regular blade slipped through his fur, so I tackled him with the short blade. Oh, oh. The poor dog shrank two sizes with 2" less of hair. He looks smaller than Bella with his new crewcut.

Both dogs were frisky after we finished: they ran around the house, flipped toys in the air, and raced over for petting. After work, W played with them for a while, then admired their new moves on the treadmill. W and Jono carried that piece of heavy equipment up to my office: when the dogs get too energetic, we shall work off some of their liveliness.

They got the last little piece of smoked farmer sausage to hop in their crates for the night. Happy, clean, impatient to "go to bed"... but such good doggies!

Wet week's end

It looked gloomy and I'd slept through my normal 6am fitness class. So I thought a quick dog bike n'jog would do the trick. We went about 4 miles, with both dogs still energetic and bouncy when we got home. It had taken us almost 1.5 hours with all the non-potty stops along the way. Argh. It started to rain while we were waiting for Spike to do his 'business' (which he refused to do). We rode up and down the streets, waiting, walking on lawns, etc. No luck, but he hasn't pooped in the house so I don't know what is up.

Bella is definitely keeping up the pace and distance without strain. She's the one tugging to go faster and further while Spike trots alongside as though he's working.

In the afternoon I picked up a crate dryer and met the owner of Barkers in Edmonds, an affordable dog grooming business. I'll definitely use her services for ears, nails, etc. which the dogs don't like having done.

The dogs were happy in their Outward Hound car boosters as usual. Those have to be another "best find" on Craigslist. They make any trip a pleasure as the dogs hop in without complaints and can safely look out or snooze in comfort. It's pouring rain outside, but the dogs are pawing at their crates where night-time treats await. Good doggies.

Better and better

The past few days we have had no trouble on walks. Bella behaves like a lady, ignoring passersby. Spike trots steadily alongside with 2 smallish stones in his Outward Hound jacket pockets. Working dog? He thinks so.

I've left them on the enclosed sun porch a few times when I've had appointments. It has more room to roam than their crates and they stay warm with coats on. Their toys are played with (they're crazy at tug-of-war) but they're happy to see me, waiting at the door when they hear me get back.

After their morning walk, Bella pounced on Spike and wouldn't leave him alone. They got into a snarling match which I quickly put a stop to. She instigates their tussles - he's pretty laid back but let her know she stepped over the line today. She was surprised, yipped, and ran away.

They gulped chicken breasts for lunch today: the lucky dogs got the raw meat because a cooking date with a friend got canceled. They hopped in their crates when the sun went down and went to sleep without fussing. Good doggies!

Doggie play

Bella jumps Spike and the dog wrestling begins. They've had a lot of fun together the last few days, energized by the brisk walks in the morning. She lays down in a submissive pose, but if he stops mouthing her, she paws him to keep going. He is very gentle. She gets her chewy massage while growling menacingly as though he is killing her.

"GR grrr grrrrr, don't stop, don't stop!" Spike lies down next to her. If he tries to run off, she follows him, lies down, and begs for more. It's funny to watch. I keep my eyes on them so it doesn't escalate into aggression.

When I call their names, they look at me like, "Don't spoil the fun," walking over to say hello. They go back to pouncing on each other and play pull-toy for a while, then chew on another toy (one between them), before lying down side by side for a rest. I am so thankful that they are a good pack. Good doggies!