Fine Art of Begging Part Two

Here are some "don'ts" when it comes to begging. Don't sit too close and don't say anything. Don't break your pose and remember to keep your tongue in your mouth. Don't look distracted and don't shift your gaze. Don't let treats hit the ground; catch them in mid-air. Don't act like a bully when begging as a group. Don't humiliate yourself by hanging around when the treats are gone.

Fine Art of Begging Part One

Here are some tips for effective begging. First, you sit politely in front of the human with treats. Then, you put on your cutest, most winsome dog expression. You must appear humble, worthy, and respectful. Once you've gained a sympathetic advantage, treats are almost 100% guaranteed.

Begging is best accomplished from the sitting position. Ears should be cocked forward. Tails should not be wagging. Maintain constant eye contact and strike a fine balance between pride and pleading. Try to look temporarily satisifed and appreciative while maintaining the constant pressure for more treats. By practicing and perfecting these techniques, your begging objectives will be succesful.

Playing Ball at the Park

On Sunday, my mom took us down to the Park to play ball. I'm the best ball retriever at the Park! I bring the ball back and drop it at my mom's feet so she can throw it again. Trixie, our neighbor's new puppy, was down at the Park, too. Trixie doesn't understand the rules of the game, yet. She tries to romp with other dogs instead of chasing the ball. I gave her a wide berth because I didn't want to get distracted.

Ticks and Burrs Are Disgusting

My dad took us on a search for an old cemetary. The cemetary is where his grandparents, great grandparents, and other relatives are buried. He had visited the cemetary as a kid long ago and remembered it as being in the foothills near Coarsegold, California. We found the hill but couldn't find the cemetary at first. We traipsed through shrubs and brush for at least an hour. We finally found the cemetary but it wasn't on a secluded part of the hillside. Someone had built a mini-storage facility around the cemetary. Instead of peaceful hills and oak trees, the graves are surrounded by mini-storage units. How depressing.

Even more depressing, we picked up ticks and burrs during our trek on the hill. My mom removed the ticks and burrs she could see. Then, she bathed us with flea and tick shampoo. I didn't make it easy. I twisted and squirmed because I don't like baths.

My Neighbor Callie

This is my neighbor, Callie. Vern Grant is Callie's dad. We live on one cul de sac near the Park. Callie lives a couple of cul de sacs over from us.

Every night, my dad takes us on a walk around the park. Sometimes, my mom comes, too. Often, during our walks, we meet up with Callie at the park. Callie's dad is in charge of taking care of the park and he does a great job. Ever since he took over, the park has been looking better than ever. The grass is thick and green and the sticker weeds are gone. Callie doesn't have a blog yet so we can't send her messages but thanks to her and her dad for making our park a nice place to go.

Squirrels Are Officially Most Fun To Chase

Thanks to everyone who voted in my first blog poll. 47% voted for squirrels as being most fun to chase. 26% voted for dragonflies, 17% for cats, and 8% for other dogs.

Today, I'm launching my second poll for my dad. He doesn't understand why I don't like bacon. He thinks every self respecting dog should like bacon. I hope this poll and your vote will prove to him I'm not as odd as he thinks.

Happy New Year! What a Day!

Happy New Year to dogs worldwide! Here's wishing you all plenty of bones and lots of chew toys in the year ahead! And to all my new "Dogs With Blogs" friends, here's wishing you a flea-free 2008!

It was a busy day today! My mom took down the Christmas tree and put the ornaments away. My dad took down the outside Christmas lights and decorations. I shredded several tennis balls and worked on my New Year's resolutions. Like I always say, it's a dog's good life!