WHY DON'T PEOPLE LEAVE ME ALONE WHEN I AM RESTING??

Well Winston, many people have to live by a schedule since they have lots of responsibilities outside the home.

Time is often at a premium and there is a huge amount of rushing around especially in the morning. Maybe it’s where you lay down not that you are laying down. For example, when I prepare food or work in the kitchen, my dogs like to lie down directly in front of the sink. That means if I need the sink or access to the stove where there may be hot things being prepared they are right in the way an in a dangerous spot. To help my dogs be in the right place at the right time I have given them beds and blankets in the kitchen to help make the safer place realy comfortable. Sometimes that helps and sometimes I have to be a bit bossy and insist they rest on their beds. In our dog training class we teach families an exercise called “go To Your Bed” that really helps dogs understand where to be and what to reading a book much easier. I often give my dogs something good to chew so they have something to do when they are on their spot.

I will admit that some people, especially young people, find it hard to resist a cute, snoozie pooch, all curled up and cozy. I know it may seem clear to you that you are sleeping but sometimes little ones don’t understand or order people, kids or adults, don’t think before they act. It is up to a responsible person to enforce the “don’t annoy a sleeping dog” rule, but sometimes it takes a bit of doing o be noticed. What might work with a cushy blanket tucked inside sounds right. Some dogs that just because people are often restless, especially kids. They may get up and down lots of times and aren’t always careful where they sit. That means dogs might get down right annoyed at all the interruptions. I don’t think some people understand how hard it is to take a good nap with so much going on. I know they would be kind of cross if they found someone knocking on their bedroom door every 5 minutes when they were trying to go to sleep! Frankly, if you are really annoyed, I would just go and find somewhere else to rest. Some dogs who don’t have a crate or couch or under a table. I feel kind of sorry for them since a dog resting spot of some kind would be a great gift.

However…all of the above doesn’t mean a dog should take the responsibility of fixing that problem into their own paws. There is nothing more disturbing than a dog who breaks the agreement of no biting people, ever! That does mean a good dog may have to be very cleaver in making their needs known. I know sitting in front of the helpful person and looking very tired and pitiful will often work. Some dogs have had to be so blatant as to curl up on their owners feet to get away from the activity. One dog I know just scratched the bedroom door and stared at the doorknob until someone noticed and let him in! Although these things seem extreme, it is best to try real hard to ask for help. Growling and biting are simply unacceptable choices.

So Winston…please refrain from sleeping in the newly folded warm laundry fresh from the dryer – it makes people mad. I will admit it is a great “I want my own bed” hint!

Winston Wonders is written by Debbie Feliziani of Dog Works-Canine Form and Function