Category: Boston Dogs

Company’s Coming! How Will Your Dog or Cat React?

Some dogs and cats welcome visitors to their home, while others may react with their own brand of company behavior. One cat might go into hiding and not come out until the visitor has gone. Another kitty may choose the one person who doesn’t like cats to use as a rubbing post.

Dale and Chip act as the perfect hostess and host when visitors arrive in their home.

Like Chip and Dale, we have a friend with a Westie boy named Colin who lives in Virginia. Trixie, one of his human companions says, "He actually thinks that everyone who comes to our door is coming to see him!!!" She supplied photos of Mr. Colin settled on the sofa with two of their guests.

Another dog might bark at everyone who comes near the door. Or a pup might become so excited about guests that submissive urination is a problem. Having had three Westies of our own and a number of foster dogs, my husband and I have dealt with a wide range of reactions.

Holiday season visitors and houseguests mean that some additional training and preparation now, may help in the month ahead.

Little Cooper, who stayed with us as a foster dog, decided that Penny needed protection from everyone.

Fear or Territorialism

Canines bark at visitors because they are afraid, because they are protecting their home, or may think they are protecting you.

Cooper was one of our foster dogs and from the moment Penny pulled him out of an animal control facility, he didn’t want anyone near her. We worked to make him understand that he had to share her and that she was not in any danger from the people we met on walks or those who visited us. Even after he was placed in his adoptive home, a volunteer from the rescue group worked with his new family to reinforce the training begun in our home.

A Very Poppy Welcome

Our current dog Poppy is a very anxious little creature who became so excited when some of her favorite people arrived in our home that she sometimes had a little “accident.” Our solution with such a small dog has been to pick her up and have her greet guests in our arms. We’ve also made an effort to have more people visit so she has more experience with company. That seems to be working.

A simple “sit” command can work wonders for a dog that barks at people or other dogs. The beauty of teaching a dog to sit and lie down, reliably upon request, is that you can reward this good action while cutting off the bad one. Consider asking a friend to come to the door a few times to practice the behaviors you want to reinforce.

Taking Control

"A sleeping dog is a good dog."

Even people who love your animals may not enjoy them as the center of attention throughout their visit. Sometimes you or another family member may need to take control of that cat who is winding herself around the legs of a guest. You may need to distract the dog that keeps bringing a toy to a guest asking for play.

Watch the guest and let them be your guide. When certain friends visit us, we know that playing with Poppy is part of the joy of their visit. Our friend Bill quickly joined Poppy on the floor for a tussle over a toy. But, in order for him to enjoy a glass of wine and a bit of food, Penny had to share her chair with Poppy and see that she didn’t bother him.

Company coming by is another time when the old adage, “A tired dog is a good dog,” is great applied wisdom. Take your dog for an extra long walk, spend half an hour playing fetch, or work on your obedience training in the hours before your company arrives. A cute dog snoozing in a corner is a perfect addition to any visit.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino – Adapted for BostonZest from one of her City Paws newspaper columns.
Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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November 29, 2015
Company’s Coming! How Will Your Dog or Cat React?

Some dogs and cats welcome visitors to their home, while others may react with their own brand of company behavior. One cat might go into hiding and not come out until the visitor has gone. Another kitty may choose the one person who doesn’t like cats to use as a rubbing post.

Dale and Chip act as the perfect hostess and host when visitors arrive in their home.

Like Chip and Dale, we have a friend with a Westie boy named Colin who lives in Virginia. Trixie, one of his human companions says, "He actually thinks that everyone who comes to our door is coming to see him!!!" She supplied photos of Mr. Colin settled on the sofa with two of their guests.

Another dog might bark at everyone who comes near the door. Or a pup might become so excited about guests that submissive urination is a problem. Having had three Westies of our own and a number of foster dogs, my husband and I have dealt with a wide range of reactions.

Holiday season visitors and houseguests mean that some additional training and preparation now, may help in the month ahead.

Little Cooper, who stayed with us as a foster dog, decided that Penny needed protection from everyone.

Fear or Territorialism

Canines bark at visitors because they are afraid, because they are protecting their home, or may think they are protecting you.

Cooper was one of our foster dogs and from the moment Penny pulled him out of an animal control facility, he didn’t want anyone near her. We worked to make him understand that he had to share her and that she was not in any danger from the people we met on walks or those who visited us. Even after he was placed in his adoptive home, a volunteer from the rescue group worked with his new family to reinforce the training begun in our home.

A Very Poppy Welcome

Our current dog Poppy is a very anxious little creature who became so excited when some of her favorite people arrived in our home that she sometimes had a little “accident.” Our solution with such a small dog has been to pick her up and have her greet guests in our arms. We’ve also made an effort to have more people visit so she has more experience with company. That seems to be working.

A simple “sit” command can work wonders for a dog that barks at people or other dogs. The beauty of teaching a dog to sit and lie down, reliably upon request, is that you can reward this good action while cutting off the bad one. Consider asking a friend to come to the door a few times to practice the behaviors you want to reinforce.

Taking Control

"A sleeping dog is a good dog."

Even people who love your animals may not enjoy them as the center of attention throughout their visit. Sometimes you or another family member may need to take control of that cat who is winding herself around the legs of a guest. You may need to distract the dog that keeps bringing a toy to a guest asking for play.

Watch the guest and let them be your guide. When certain friends visit us, we know that playing with Poppy is part of the joy of their visit. Our friend Bill quickly joined Poppy on the floor for a tussle over a toy. But, in order for him to enjoy a glass of wine and a bit of food, Penny had to share her chair with Poppy and see that she didn’t bother him.

Company coming by is another time when the old adage, “A tired dog is a good dog,” is great applied wisdom. Take your dog for an extra long walk, spend half an hour playing fetch, or work on your obedience training in the hours before your company arrives. A cute dog snoozing in a corner is a perfect addition to any visit.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino – Adapted for BostonZest from one of her City Paws newspaper columns.
Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Dog and Cat Books for Holiday Gifts

Sleeping Dogs & Cats – What You May Be Surprised to Learn

November 29, 2015
Dog Oriented Dogs and People Oriented Dogs

The sight of a person enjoying an afternoon in a park with their dog as companion brings a smile to our faces. We’ve made many friends in Boston because of our dogs. And, those dogs have made friends with a good many other canines on our daily strolls.

Here's a sweet French Bulldog named Chunk sitting on a park bench with Poppy. Chunk is a she and one of the nicest, most people oriented dogs you could ever want to meet. Yes, she has her favorites like our friend John who has to give her special attention when he sees her. She would much rather share the bench with John than with Poppy.

Chunk wasn't sure what to make of this Poppy dog. For the most part, Poppy gives dogs a quick sniff and then she's back to her constant, worried watch for noisy things.

Some dogs are dog oriented and some are people oriented. Our Poppy has a few folks that she adores and a lot of folks that she likes. Most of the time outside, she's more concerned about noise and trucks than people or dogs. But she does enjoy a sit on a bench when there are no trucks or construction locations in sight.

And, if a friendly dog like Chunk wants to share her bench, that's fine with her.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino – Adapted for BostonZest from one of her City Paws newspaper columns.
Photos: ©2015 Ed Cherubino

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November 22, 2015
Dog Oriented Dogs and People Oriented Dogs

The sight of a person enjoying an afternoon in a park with their dog as companion brings a smile to our faces. We’ve made many friends in Boston because of our dogs. And, those dogs have made friends with a good many other canines on our daily strolls.

Here's a sweet French Bulldog named Chunk sitting on a park bench with Poppy. Chunk is a she and one of the nicest, most people oriented dogs you could ever want to meet. Yes, she has her favorites like our friend John who has to give her special attention when he sees her. She would much rather share the bench with John than with Poppy.

Chunk wasn't sure what to make of this Poppy dog. For the most part, Poppy gives dogs a quick sniff and then she's back to her constant, worried watch for noisy things.

Some dogs are dog oriented and some are people oriented. Our Poppy has a few folks that she adores and a lot of folks that she likes. Most of the time outside, she's more concerned about noise and trucks than people or dogs. But she does enjoy a sit on a bench when there are no trucks or construction locations in sight.

And, if a friendly dog like Chunk wants to share her bench, that's fine with her.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino – Adapted for BostonZest from one of her City Paws newspaper columns.
Photos: ©2015 Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Frenchie Fun, Watching Maudie Grow!

Nova Is a Frenchie Superstar!

Give a Big "Thank You" to Your Dog Walker!

November 22, 2015
The Dogs of Fall

Poppy has a bit more spring in her step in fall and doesn’t mind sharing her bench with a pile of leaves.

Over the past few weeks, you've been able see which dogs love the fall season. My Poppy is one of them. She is not a fan of hot days and certainly has more spring in her step when the cooler temperatures arrive.

“He loves this cool weather,” another friends said as her dog bounced through the park. These pups don’t stop to chat until they've burned off some of that autumn energy by speed walking a few blocks and then back to us.

People, too, have more energy in the cooler months to entertain their dogs. This may mean visits to hiking trails or trips to the country for long walks and a happy time for the dogs who accompany them.

Beaches that were forbidden territory all summer are now open to endless games of fetch the ball or stick for those who choose to share their recreation with dogs.

Here's our pal Bear waiting for Poppy in a nest of leaves.

Leaves

The leaves we enjoy for their color and crunch underfoot are irresistible toys to some dogs. It’s fun to watch a pup chase a leaf down a sidewalk. Dogs with very curious noses enjoy the scents that leaves hold. And some dogs like nothing better than exploring and jumping through piles of leaves.

While back yard leaf piles may be fun, I’m wary of leaves collected from urban parks and sidewalks. Those piles may hold pieces of broken glass, litter, discarded food, or even syringes.

For some reason, the parks department often gathers all leaves on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall into piles on the walkway and there the piles remain, sometimes for a week or more. This puts some of the benches off limits and makes the busy walkway more congested. It also allows the wind to scatter those leaves across the lawns so that workers must collect them again.

Leaves also add a degree of difficulty for those who faithfully pick up after their dogs. With leaves to offer camouflage, if you glance away for just a second, a quick scoop can turn into a long, slow hunt among the leaves.

Allergic to Fall?

For some dogs (and people), those leaf piles can be a source of an allergic reaction. Even after the hard frost kills off ragweed and other fall irritants, dogs may still be bothered by leaf mold.

The website VetInfo.com has a great description of the symptoms. “Mold-allergic dogs sneeze frequently, and they may develop a cough or have watery eyes. Other dog-specific signs of a mold allergy include recurring ear infections and licking, scratching and biting at their skin because it becomes itchy.”

If this sounds familiar, check with your veterinarian for treatments and avoid those leaf piles. You might also give your dog a rub down with a damp towel when you return from a walk to remove surface irritants. Try to stick to the paths when outside and restrict time spent exploring damp piles of leaves.

Ritual Changes

Some dogs respect the season with changes in their routines. Poppy sleeps-in more mornings when the sun doesn’t wake her. Her predecessor, Maggie Mae, snuggled with us more in the cool months than in summer. If your dog tends to put on winter weight, this can be a good time to trim down with extra exercise before winter storms restrict outside activity.

It is a time of change for you and your dog. Enjoy the good things, deal with the downsides, and relish each day of fall with your beloved canine companion.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino Adapted for BostonZest from one of her CIty Paws newspaper columns
Photos: ©2013-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino and itchy dog from iStockphoto.

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November 15, 2015
The Dogs of Fall

Poppy has a bit more spring in her step in fall and doesn’t mind sharing her bench with a pile of leaves.

Over the past few weeks, you've been able see which dogs love the fall season. My Poppy is one of them. She is not a fan of hot days and certainly has more spring in her step when the cooler temperatures arrive.

“He loves this cool weather,” another friends said as her dog bounced through the park. These pups don’t stop to chat until they've burned off some of that autumn energy by speed walking a few blocks and then back to us.

People, too, have more energy in the cooler months to entertain their dogs. This may mean visits to hiking trails or trips to the country for long walks and a happy time for the dogs who accompany them.

Beaches that were forbidden territory all summer are now open to endless games of fetch the ball or stick for those who choose to share their recreation with dogs.

Here's our pal Bear waiting for Poppy in a nest of leaves.

Leaves

The leaves we enjoy for their color and crunch underfoot are irresistible toys to some dogs. It’s fun to watch a pup chase a leaf down a sidewalk. Dogs with very curious noses enjoy the scents that leaves hold. And some dogs like nothing better than exploring and jumping through piles of leaves.

While back yard leaf piles may be fun, I’m wary of leaves collected from urban parks and sidewalks. Those piles may hold pieces of broken glass, litter, discarded food, or even syringes.

For some reason, the parks department often gathers all leaves on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall into piles on the walkway and there the piles remain, sometimes for a week or more. This puts some of the benches off limits and makes the busy walkway more congested. It also allows the wind to scatter those leaves across the lawns so that workers must collect them again.

Leaves also add a degree of difficulty for those who faithfully pick up after their dogs. With leaves to offer camouflage, if you glance away for just a second, a quick scoop can turn into a long, slow hunt among the leaves.

Allergic to Fall?

For some dogs (and people), those leaf piles can be a source of an allergic reaction. Even after the hard frost kills off ragweed and other fall irritants, dogs may still be bothered by leaf mold.

The website VetInfo.com has a great description of the symptoms. “Mold-allergic dogs sneeze frequently, and they may develop a cough or have watery eyes. Other dog-specific signs of a mold allergy include recurring ear infections and licking, scratching and biting at their skin because it becomes itchy.”

If this sounds familiar, check with your veterinarian for treatments and avoid those leaf piles. You might also give your dog a rub down with a damp towel when you return from a walk to remove surface irritants. Try to stick to the paths when outside and restrict time spent exploring damp piles of leaves.

Ritual Changes

Some dogs respect the season with changes in their routines. Poppy sleeps-in more mornings when the sun doesn’t wake her. Her predecessor, Maggie Mae, snuggled with us more in the cool months than in summer. If your dog tends to put on winter weight, this can be a good time to trim down with extra exercise before winter storms restrict outside activity.

It is a time of change for you and your dog. Enjoy the good things, deal with the downsides, and relish each day of fall with your beloved canine companion.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino Adapted for BostonZest from one of her CIty Paws newspaper columns
Photos: ©2013-2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino and itchy dog from iStockphoto.

Related articles

Retractable Leash Alternatives From the Experts at Pawsh

Tips and Links for Dealing with Allergy Season

Tips for Dealing with Uncontrolled Dogs

November 15, 2015
Duchess Poppy’s Shopping Spree in Provincetown

There are some requests on a girl's shopping list that call for destination shopping. Our little Duchess Poppy had her personal assistant prepare a memorandum with the goods she would be seeking on our last trip to Provincetown.

She insisted she needed a new tiara for the more formal occasions on her appointment calendar in the upcoming holiday season. And, she wanted a red feather boa made in her size and of excellent quality.

After trips up and down Commercial Street, in and out of many shops, she went into four-paw braking as a shopkeeper arranged a display of boas in front of a little shop next to the Aquarium Market Place.

She and Ed sat on the bench provided for Duchesses and their retainers while I explored the tiny shop and carried items out for her approval.

There was no question in her mind that the scarf size boa was precisely what she had in mind. She adores it! However, most of the tiaras presented were far too large and a bit too glittery for her taste.

When the shopkeeper discovered that the tiara was not for one of the humans in the family but for our tiny Duchess, she quickly went to her stock of "special products for special customers" and came out with the perfect headpiece for our little Scottish Royal.

Poppy was so pleased with the success of this shopping foray that she granted us a photo session in her new finery. As you can see by the second photo, we took a bit too long and the Most Noble Poppy: Duchess of Whitehead took on one of her Maggie Smith as Dowager Countess of Grantham "I am no longer pleased," poses.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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November 8, 2015
Duchess Poppy’s Shopping Spree in Provincetown

There are some requests on a girl's shopping list that call for destination shopping. Our little Duchess Poppy had her personal assistant prepare a memorandum with the goods she would be seeking on our last trip to Provincetown.

She insisted she needed a new tiara for the more formal occasions on her appointment calendar in the upcoming holiday season. And, she wanted a red feather boa made in her size and of excellent quality.

After trips up and down Commercial Street, in and out of many shops, she went into four-paw braking as a shopkeeper arranged a display of boas in front of a little shop next to the Aquarium Market Place.

She and Ed sat on the bench provided for Duchesses and their retainers while I explored the tiny shop and carried items out for her approval.

There was no question in her mind that the scarf size boa was precisely what she had in mind. She adores it! However, most of the tiaras presented were far too large and a bit too glittery for her taste.

When the shopkeeper discovered that the tiara was not for one of the humans in the family but for our tiny Duchess, she quickly went to her stock of "special products for special customers" and came out with the perfect headpiece for our little Scottish Royal.

Poppy was so pleased with the success of this shopping foray that she granted us a photo session in her new finery. As you can see by the second photo, we took a bit too long and the Most Noble Poppy: Duchess of Whitehead took on one of her Maggie Smith as Dowager Countess of Grantham "I am no longer pleased," poses.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

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November 8, 2015
Sunday Dog “Chewie” Is Irresistible!

Have you ever seen a dog that you just can’t take your eyes off? A pooch that, if he could talk would say, “Hi, don’t you want to pat me?”

His name is Chewie, short for Chewbacca, the fiercely loyal co-pilot of Star Wars fame.

While we can see the facial hair resemblance, no one would ever mistake this cute Lhasa Apso for a Wookiee.

We met our Chewie while out for a walk on only his third day in Boston. Although he’s just four months old, this little guy is already a charmer who loves to play.

However, at this point in his puppyhood, Chewie does tend to have irregular sleeping hours, to which his bleary-eyed family is learning to adapt.

Before we said goodbye, we promised to introduce this little bundle of energy to another young, 4-legged neighbor named Leia (really), a meeting that could help tire out both of them.

See you around, Chewie!

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2015 Ed Cherubino

October 25, 2015
Provincetown Is a Dogtown

One of the things we love about Provincetown is that it is a dogtown. We enjoy watching and meeting the dogs that are welcomed by this small town at the end of the land.

You'll see them in packs like this band of Bulldogs.

You'll see them in pairs like these Corgis – a popular breed with the locals.

They come large enough to invite stares from passersby.

Some are moving right along as they help run errands.

Others want everyone to slow down so they can stop and smell the flowers.

Some are visiting while others hold full time jobs as greeters at local businesses.

Some like this young pup have favorite businesses they can't wait to enter. Fortunately, many shops welcome dogs, but we always ask.

And, almost every Provincetown dog loves a good beach walk.

We highly recommend this lovely place for a fall escape. Each year, more places stay open for a longer season. Here is a link to some dog friendly spots from the wonderful folks at Pilgrim Bark Park.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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