1) Toys
Whether you’re dealing with toddlers or toy poodles, they leave toys everywhere. The only difference is that it is somewhat possible to make a toddler clean-up toys…but not a dog. They will get a toy out, and then 3 seconds later, decide they want a different toy.
2) Drama
There is always that one kid in the daycare center who is a “little terror”. He usually harasses the other kids, takes their toys…things like that. Well, in my house, we also have a little terror. His name is Wiggles. Don’t let his name fool you. He is quite the beast. He harasses his brother, Brownie, by pinning him down and giving him a bath…kitten style. It gets worse. If Brownie has a toy, Wiggles decides that he wants THAT toy. It doesn’t even matter if they both have the exact same toy. He will take Brownie’s.
3) Messes
In daycare, there is usually goldfish all over the floor, spilt apple juice on the table, etc. Well in my house, it gets worse…it was a calm Tuesday afternoon. I was in the kitchen and Brownie was in the other room eating his food. Now before I get to the good part, I have to explain a key detail. My dogs are scared of the noise their collars make when they bang up against the metal food bowls. Because of this, they resort to the chicken head movement when eating. They go and quickly reach for their food in the bowl, spit it out on the floor, and then eat it off of the floor. Well, one day Brownie’s collar got hooked onto the bowl…and the stand that held his food and water bowls. So all of a sudden, Brownie runs into the kitchen bringing his bowls and stand with him. He tried to get away from the clanging of his collar against the bowls, but instead managed to drag it with him. Food went all over the floor…as did water.
4) Timeout
Every toddler experiences time out sessions. It is usually for hitting somebody, or throwing a fit in the grocery store. Though my dogs also get to experience the joys of timeout, it is for a very different reason. My dogs like to get into the trash. I assume this is what every dog likes to do. Rooms containing trashcans are supposed to remain shut, but there is always someone who forgets to do this. Because of this, my dogs constantly get into the trash. When we catch them, we tell them “No, no” and then put them in the crate. For those who do not know, a crate is sort of like a little house made for transporting dogs to and from places…like the vet. So, we put them in the crate for 10 to 15 minutes. The crate is a great punishment tool, as it gives the dogs time to think about what they have done, without getting distracted by their surroundings.
5) Attention
Just like toddlers, dogs need attention. Dogs need to feel loved and cared for. Though we love and care for our dogs, that is not enough. We…let me rephrase that…my mom is constantly holding them all day long. When she is not holding them, they are sitting on her lap…or right up against her feet. They are OBSESSED with her. It is actually quite unhealthy. Brownie won’t even eat if my mom is not home. You know how some dogs are registered as “Emotional Support Animals”? Well, my dogs NEED an emotional support animal.
