So Smart

Last weekend while on an outing to the local pet store, the monkey and I were minding our own business, admiring the tropical fish when three young puppies and their hoomans came around the corner near where we were standing. Monkey immediately smoothed back his hair, did a breath-check in his paw and struck his Ain't I Adorable pose. There at the front of the pack was the object of his sudden Rico Suave attitude. She was the most adorable longhaired dachshund; the first pup I've ever seen that made Gus preen. Once she was within sniffing distance he couldn't get to her fast enough. There in the store, nose to nose, they had a "moment". I'm still not sure if the proper reaction should have been "Awwwwwww", or embarrassment followed by a quick exit from the store. Luckily her hooman seemed flattered by his attention (after all, he was being a gentleman, and is fixed to boot) and a good time was had by all. Monkey was also very interested in the “Bug” (half Boston Terrier, half Pug) in that class. It was as if some primitive recognition was boiling deep down inside him and he could recognize his cousin. He wasn’t such a fan of the Yorkie/Maltese mix that bounced around and barked anytime anything moved and startled her.

All this puppy love reminded the DH and me that we had intended to sign the monkey up for obedience classes. Ten minutes later the deed was done. Our first class is January 13th. Of course, in order to not embarrass ourselves, we’ve already started prepping him for what is to come. It only took a few 5-minute sessions for him to learn how to “sit”. A butt-load of treats also helped seal the deal. It’s still a work in progress and sometimes we have to point to the floor when we give the command, but now he will do it even if there aren’t treats involved. Staying put once his butt hits the floor is another story, but we plan on making “stay” the next goal.

I am most looking forward to the class when they teach us how to potty train our dogs. Our initial plan with Gus was to avoid pad training and focus 100% on outside potty. Sadly, we ignorantly used some pads to protect the floor of the bathroom (which served as his kennel early on) and he trained himself to use them. When a little man is that smart, who am I to complain? He also knows what “outside” is. Whenever we ask the dogs if they want to go outside he makes a bee-line for the door. Genius. Sheer GENIUS!! I am starting to worry that my dog may be smarter than his owner.