Blog Feed

Happy spectacular Sunday blogaroos. Guess who? Yup – Squirmy drop-that Wormy here for your Sunday funnies.

Did you know, that on this very day in 1837, some guy by the name of Thomas Morris, skipped rope 22,806 times. Really. That’s 22,801 more times than the Warden could do. But I never said that.

So since we’re on this rather boring topic, I had to see how canines do with skipping rope.

I found this video from 2011 with 13 dogs breaking a record. Check them out:

https://youtu.be/IsnDm8MdEZ0

The humans who are owned by those dogs broke their own record with 14 dogs in 2013. That’s crazy. The Warden can’t get three of us to sit still for photos without a car load of treats. Getting us to skip rope – together – impossible.

Here’s a video of a dog trying to break a double Dutch skipping record…

https://youtu.be/kIVpltakc4k

I think the dog just had performance anxiety. Like me in obedience. Sooooo close….

In 2016, a woman and her dog broke the record for the number of skips together in one minute. They did 59!!!! Her dog Jessica, and her other dog Jacob, love to do all kinds of tricks. Check them out:

https://youtu.be/rHZiC8hFN6k

And now I KNOW there is SOMEONE out there wanting to learn how to skip rope with their dog, and doesn’t know how to start. Here’s a little video showing you some options:

https://youtu.be/T8qFgIKljng

Good luck with that. I would love to try it, but getting the Warden to jump would be like getting her to pole vault – it is NOT going to happen. Mind you, she did a flying leap the other day while walking in the woods with the Coyote- when he decided to suddenly dash to the end of his leash. The Warden said a quick prayer as she found herself falling forward, and watched as a tree stump was about to impale her chest. Somehow (probably because her Guardian Angel was looking after her) she hit the stump left of center – ending up with bruised ribs but no major damage. So I’m thinking that jumping rope WITH us is not in the cards.

We have sunshine in the forecast today but then the weather people (otherwise known as the gamblers) are forecasting LOTS AND LOTS of rain and wind. I forecast short walks. VERY short walks. And 168 rounds of Find the Bunny. Or maybe…we could jump rope… I’m so funny.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy everybody! It’s Squirmy on a fantastic Friday! It’s back to class again today. I’ve been studying hard all week- so we’ll see if I remember ANYTHING when I walk into the classroom.

We’ve had a couple of rainy days so it’s been kinda boring here at the ranch. We didn’t even go for very long walks. Hopefully the weekend will be better.

So since the circus has been quiet, let’s turn to the news to see what’s going on…

The first story is about some research using a device that allows dogs to “call” their humans. Check it out:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-59318847.amp

The Warden read this story and was kinda skeptical about whether the dog REALLY called. Or was it accidental. The Warden said she would never, ever get such a device because she figures one of two things would probably happen. A. We WOULD figure out that we were calling and we would make prank calls. B. We would shred the device to bits.

Yeah- it’s not on our Christmas list.

This next story was shared with us by our good friend in France – Dominique. Now THIS story is cool:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/nov/12/experience-i-taught-two-dogs-to-fly-a-plane

I want to be in THIS experiment!!! Picture me in the cockpit doing flips! That’s MUCH more exciting than making a phone call.

And finally – according to the crazy calendar, today is National Blow Bagpipes day. Really. Now when researching this topic, we found ALL kinds of videos of dogs reacting to bagpipes. There was barking. There was howling. And honestly, none of us reacted to any of it. Except the video in this story – which we realize IS a few years old. But the dog in this video made the Boss’s head tilt side to side. Repeatedly. We wish we had a video but you can probably picture it in your mind. Try playing it for your own dog and see what happens:

https://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2014/12/17/this-dog-cant-stand-the-bagpipes/amp/

So that’s it from me. Gotta go get fluffed for class. Even if ya don’t behave, you can look good.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy doody blogaroos. Squirmy here on another wonderful Wednesday. Hoping the first half of your week has been good and whether or not it has been- that the next half will be even BETTER.

So, today I’d like to share my latest round of entertainment. It all has to do with the fact that I ALWAYS need to be holding something in my mouth. It’s actually a self- learned and externally reinforced behavior so I don’t bite others in my household. At least not as much. I’m still a chattery little shark – but if I carry something around, like Tuggie, I can’t bite anyone. Only one problem- because I get so excited and want to hold SOMETHING, I grab any toy, bone, chew thing I can when I run out the back door into the yard. Hence, almost all of our toys are outside. Now sometimes Tuggie ends up out there during a rainstorm, and because Tuggie is made of rope and fabric, Tuggie gets all wet. And then weighs a LOT. So Tuggie made a LOT of noise when thrown into the dryer the other day. The loud banging didn’t last long – because the Warden actually thought Tuggie might break the dryer – so Tuggie needed to dry off – for days in the garage.

So leaving Tuggie outside is not a great idea. But there is ONE thing worse than leaving Tuggie out. Leaving out a Kong. Why you might ask? Because Kongs in this household are the only things that allow the Warden to have breakfast in peace. They are stuffed with yogurt and treats and frozen and the Boss and I get one every morning while the Warden has her breakfast. I’m sure I’ve told you this before. The Coyote doesn’t “do” Kongs. He gets a slice of bread. Which he flips around like a chef hurling dough in a pizza place. Eventually he eats it.

Anyway, we have 6 Kongs. The black, indestructible-for-a-couple-of-months variety. Why do we have six? So the Warden doesn’t have to stuff them every single day. She prefers stuffing in batches. We were up to 8 at one point, but even the black indestructible versions are no match for PONs over the long term. So two were retired and we are down to 6. One is a bit sketchy, so the Warden is anxiously awaiting a Kong sale. Some women are excited about shoe sales. She gets excited when Kongs go on sale. I think they are on her Christmas list.

Anyway…..running outside with Kongs is a no-no. Because, IF the Warden doesn’t see me do it, AND it is Kong stuffing night, she has been known to go out in our rather large fenced back yard with a flashlight to search for a black Kong in the dark. It’s kinda fun to watch. Or to run around pretending to look for it.

Which brings me to yesterday….It was just after we got up and were getting ready for our walks. The Coyote scratched at the deck door, so the Warden said we should all go out for a quick pee before our walks. I raced out…with a Kong in my mouth – before she could catch me at the door. We all went pee and raced up the stairs. I came quickly. Minus one Kong. I raced in the house, and the Warden said “hey – where’s the Kong?” I looked at her and before she could stop me, I raced back out. With Tuggie in my mouth this time. Down the stairs I flew. Sure enough – I returned with the Kong! Of course I did!

But now the Warden said “Where’s Tuggie?” If ONLY I could speak English and say “Why it’s right in the yard under the steps where I left it”. But instead I raced down the steps. Ran around the yard, and raced back up. Minus Tuggie. “No” she said “GO GET TUGGIE.” I did a repeat performance. Raced down, ran around, returned Tuggie-less. Meanwhile the Boss is shouting “Can we just go for our walks already?!” This time, the Warden started heading down the steps to get Tuggie herself. I raced past her, grabbed Tuggie and started back up the steps. “Good job” she says (rolling her eyes) as she turns around to go back up. We get to the deck, she looks at me- and no Tuggie. I dropped Tuggie part way up, but she didn’t see because she was ahead of me. It was at this point, when I saw the smoke coming out of her ears, and after she said something like “Go get Tuggie NOW,” but not exactly in those words, that I turned around and got Tuggie.

So that’s how our day began! I just like to get her moving – she’s kinda slow some mornings. She’ll thank me some day.

Hey – anybody know where I can buy Tuggies or Kongs wholesale? I thought I might surprise the Warden for Christmas. I know – I know – I’m such a thoughtful, sweet guy….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Yo. Blog people. Elroy here today on another Monday. Once upon my time, Her Highness would be getting ready to go to work. The olden days. The shaggy shark doesn’t remember back that far, because he wasn’t even born yet. It’s pretty cool that she’s home all the time now. And we bug her, I mean love her, every single minute.

Yesterday Her Highness announced that she was going out in the afternoon- to see some puppies. PON puppies to be precise. She also announced she would not be bringing one home. I let out a HUGE exhale. I mean seriously- can you IMAGINE ANOTHER PON in this household?! I’m outnumbered as it is! Plus the Imp is like a puppy, cat, mountain lion, shark and squirrel all rolled into one. He’s crazy – that one. I honestly think you readers think I am exaggerating. But I’m dead serious. He has all the puppy behaviors (which one would expect given that he IS still under 2 years old), he likes to jump from a standing position onto furniture without so much as a running start like a cat, he stalks me like a mountain lion, he bites like a shark AND he moves faster and more erratically than a squirrel. The thought of another shark in this household, and I’d be packing my suitcase. If I had one.

Anyway, when Her Highness came home she could barely walk in the room because our noses were STUCK to her pants. She smelled like puppies. She said she tried to get photos, but she was either busy mauling them, or they were moving around. Here’s just a couple of samples…They are six weeks old…

There are six puppies in total – three boys and three girls. They all have homes lined up – and Her Highness even got to meet one pair of PPOs. Potential Puppy Owners for those who don’t know the letters. Her Highness said it was a very nice couple with lots of dog experience. But this will be their first PON. Heaven help them…

Meanwhile, yours truly got into a BIT of a “tiff” with our neighbor Max the other day. You may recall that Max and I didn’t see eye to eye or should I say nose to butt once before. I thought we were good after that encounter, but truthfully, I haven’t seen him since then. Anyway, Her Highness and I were coming back from our morning constitutional, and Max spotted us as he was coming up his driveway. I think he may have mistaken me for the Boss – who carries on “conversations” with him from our house to his. We can’t even SEE his house from our house, but the Boss hears him or vice versa, and the two of them get into a shouting match. Well, obviously, the Boss shouted out something bad, like “your breath smells like liver.” Or “your humans make you wear a raincoat”. Clearly the Boss can sound like a bully. So Max might have thought it was me who made the sassy comments. Anyway, he came toward me slowly and did not look happy. Her Highness was trying to pull me away, and that probably made matters worse. So a tiny scuffle started, with Her Highness repeatedly (and futilely ) shouting “no.” The tiff was over in less than 10 seconds when Max’s humans came and grabbed him. I’m certain it had something to do with what the Boss said. Or the fact that I tried to paw him in a face. But there were no injuries – just lots of loudness. Her Highness and Max’s humans get along great – so it’s all fine. You know what they say: “dogs will be dogs.” Which is kind of crazy when you think about it. I mean it would be nuts to say “dogs will be sharks.” Then again….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Happy Saturday blogaroos! It’s Squirmy here to give you our latest updates from the circus!

Well, I think I might have told you that the Warden entered the Boss and me in some kind of “trial” next month. Not a criminal trial – although given my behavior, it could be – but a rally trial. So we’ve been practicing and practicing and practicing every single day. I usually get to do my practice first. Because I push my way out the door. So much for obedience.

After a practice session the other day, the Warden had the following thoughts, which she shared with a friend…

“I’ve come to the conclusion that training dogs is like wearing shoes. You have the new ones, that fit OK, but they are going to take some breaking in, and may actually pinch a bit in the beginning. The old ones are comfy and cozy and while they make not look as fresh, they fit perfectly. And when training, begin with the new ones – so after, when you try on the old ones, you decide you won’t go barefoot after all!”

I’m guessing the Boss is the comfy shoes, and I’m the new ones. The Coyote must be socks. They don’t fit with flip flops, and sometimes you can’t get your shoes on with them – but sometimes they work out well. Like in the winter.

So yesterday I had my weekly class, and based on my performance there, the Warden didn’t have high hopes for a practice match I was in last night. Not that I was THAT bad in class. I mean I WAS just kinda distracted, AND after the recall exercise, when she tried to put my leash back on, I rolled on my back with my feet in the air, making it next to impossible to tether me. I did that the first week we did recall practice, and now it’s my signature move. She was a bit discouraged after all of our practice lately. It’s that age old “but he’s great at home” line that probably some other dog training humans can relate to.

So we went to the match and she didn’t have high hopes. Not only was it all new dogs that I had not met before, but she put me in this portable pop up crate, that I had never been in before. She had to watch every movement I made because let’s face it, I can break out of a wire crate. This flimsy fabric thing wouldn’t have much of a chance.

Anyway, when we walked in the ring, she debated whether she should take off my leash. This was an Advanced level Match, which is done off leash and I haven’t even even passed Novice yet – which is done on leash. She decided to take a chance…

She clipped off my leash and held her breath…And guess what?! I rocked it! Well, at last my level of rocking. SHE screwed up one sign by moving her feet- but I did great. Didn’t sniff the ground, the signs or the air. Didn’t go to visit any dogs. I heeled like I knew exactly what to do. The Warden was SO happy at the end! She said she’ll keep me. I think she was joking…OF COURSE she’ll keep me. Who would provide such comic relief in our household if I wasn’t there!

It’s all about intermittent reinforcement. You humans do it with us in training, so we use it with you too. Just when you think we either have a concept ( or don’t) we do just the opposite. I showed her last night that I CAN be obedient. But that’s no guarantee I’ll do it the next time. So lots of practice will continue. We’ll be selling tickets for the REAL trial. Then again, maybe not….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Hello blog readers. Frodo here, on this the 11th of November. And today is an important day. It is a day of remembrance and appreciation in the US and Canada and I believe in other parts of the world – “for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve their countries during times of war, conflict and peace.”

It’s a day to reflect and remember the veterans who are still with us, and those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.

Throughout times of war, canines have also played many roles in helping their soldier companions. This article talks about the roles dogs played during the First World War:

https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/communicate/press-media/wwi-centennial-news/6906-six-incredible-roles-performed-by-dogs-in-world-war-i.html

The US has many memorials devoted to canine war heroes. We were surprised (and pleased) to know that there are so many :

https://www.bringfido.com/blog/war-dog-memorials-to-visit-on-veterans-day/

Canada has an Animal War Memorial in Ottawa, recognizing not only canines, but other animals as well. I might note that cats were not on the list…:

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/art-monuments/monuments/animals-war-dedication.html

For my Canadian readers who have young children, grandchildren, or who might have some pleasant neighbors, the Canadian government has actually developed teaching materials about Animals who served in Wars and information about Remembrance Day in general.

https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/classroom/take-time-to-remember

Here are some additional Animal War Memorials in other countries. I am sure there are others as well. But none that have mentioned cats…..Perhaps I have just not found them yet…

https://heritagecalling.com/2017/02/28/8-memorials-to-animals-in-the-first-world-war/

So on this day of Remembrance, take a moment to think of those who have served. And thank a Veteran if you see one – because those who serve, deserve.

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos! Squirmy stop-licking-your-brother Wormy here on this terrific Tuesday. And do you know what day it is? Why it’s Go to an Art Museum Today Day. Yup. A day to throw on your cultural clothes after you use the lint roller to remove the dog hair, and visit a museum. You can visit any museum you like – BUT if you are owned by a dog (or three) you should REALLY visit a canine museum! So we checked out some options for you – if you happen to live in the vicinity of one of these:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-museums/

And here’s another list of options – with a few that are different:

https://www.afar.com/magazine/fetch-your-bags-its-time-to-visit-a-dog-museum

Now the Warden still wants to visit the AKC Museum of the Dog in the Big Apple. This video was done before the museum opened – but it gives you a bit of an idea of what it’s like:

https://youtu.be/adq_phq3TSo

If you want an actual tour of one of the previous exhibits, here is one about Hollywood Dogs.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VgTUz1RC4-w

And if you’re in a political mood, here’s a tour of the Presidential Dog exhibit:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nb-XCUpLXCk

So. If you watched any of those, it counts as your Go to an Art Museum Today thing. I had to watch every video, so I’m good for the next few years.

Did you notice that there is a Dachshund museum? But hello- no PON or Picard museum?! I think the Warden is working on it. We have lots of examples in our house of “things” that have PONs or Picards on them. Paintings, fridge magnets, mugs, jewelry, clothing, ornaments, pillows, calendars, purses…people owned by dogs get kinda crazy like that. Or at least our human does. Kinda like a cult. She could also open a museum of grooming tools. Yawn.

OK. Time to get this Tuesday started – bright and early – because we still haven’t adjusted to this time change thing. Plus since we get moving early, we get breakfast early too!!! Score!

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Howdy blogaroos. Squirmy here – and I’m up super early! Why? Because somebody changed the clock! And here it is, the time when we usually get up – only it’s an hour early! That’s OK with me – let’s get this Sunday rolling! But wait – do we have to wait an extra hour for breakfast?! Maybe this time change thing isn’t so good after all….

Not much new here in the wilds of Nova Scotia. Or more like the wilds of our house. I had my weekly obedience class on Friday. The Warden says I do better at home. Of COURSE I do! No distractions at home! She said I need more distraction work. I guess that means more road trips. Yay. I think.

She said that sometimes she thinks I’m brilliant- and other times – not so much. For example, if she tells me to “get Tuggie” I’ll run around the house searching for it – and if it’s not in the house, I’ll search outside. And I find Tuggie 99.9% of the time. I love Tuggie. A lot….

Yesterday, the Warden realized I had taken a Kong outside. The Boss and I get one stuffed with yummy things every morning. The Coyote never wants one. Anyway, during one of my daily frenzy moments, I ran outside with a Kong, and left it in the yard. The Warden was doing a Kong count and realized one was missing. So she opened the deck door and told me to “find the Kong.” I raced across the deck, down the stairs and onto the lawn. I ran around, found the Kong and brought it in. The Warden was SO impressed with my brilliance. I mean I KNEW what the “Kong” was. Or at least she thought I did. She decided to do a little test. She took me, Tuggie and a Kong downstairs to the rec room. She placed both toys at one end of the room, and me across the room. Then she told me to “Get Tuggie.” Well I raced over, grabbed Tuggie and came right back for a game of tug. We played and then she told me to wait. She put Tuggie back and this time, she told me to get KONG. She must have said KONG five times as I raced across the room. I grabbed Tuggie and came back. So much for my brilliant word discrimination. She decided to try again. Again she set me up and said “Get KONG!!!” I raced out, grabbed Tuggie and jumped on the sofa. We didn’t play that game very long. But really – I knew what the Kong was – but it’s not nearly as much fun as Tuggie! At least that’s my excuse. Oh – an you may not know this, but I like to do things MY way…

Well, time to see if any of the neighbors are up this early on a Sunday…

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Hello blog aficionados. Frodo here today for a bit of a world news review – as you working readers begin to prepare for your weekend. Ah yes, Friday. The day many people long for. I dare say, it is likely the most popular day of the week. Even canines enjoy Fridays, if they own humans who are employed. It means the joyous return of their human at the end of the day . Joy is felt by all.

But I digress. I am beginning to jump topics like the Imp. Heaven help me. Back to the topic at hand. News.

First in our review is the story of Rocky, a dog who came face to face with a cougar or mountain lion. You may see a video of his perilous encounter right here.

https://youtu.be/l9IESJ_1da4

Now I must confess, I did put on QUITE the similar show the other morning when I, myself encountered a big cat. It was while we were out for my morning constitutional. I was walking along, when suddenly, I got a telltale aroma of wildlife and my nose flew into the air. And then I spotted the creature sitting in the ditch at the side of the road. I went into my famous Cujo persona, barking, snarling and attempting to pull Her Highness into the ditch. The fierce creature raised his back at me an snarled back. Just like Rocky, I would have protected my human at all costs.

Ahem. Well. Admittedly, my large cat was of the household variety. And the real danger was in Her Highness falling over as she attempted to drag me away. There is great debate as to whether or not we actually even HAVE cougars in Nova Scotia. The provincial wildlife officials repeatedly say they do not exist- as there has been no “tangible” evidence of them. Like their poo. But still, MANY people report that they HAVE indeed seen them. Personally, I think I prefer the domestic variety. The thought of encountering one and resulting in a “hole that goes into my brain, is less than appealing”…

The next news video deals with a canine who was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Literally.

https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2021/10/15/new-york-five-day-dog-rescue-vpx.news-12-westchester

What a lovely happy ending. No one in this household plans to get caught in a similar situation. Her Highness would NEVER fit in a crack that size. Especially after her recent Halloween candy consumption. We wouldn’t stand a chance.

And lastly, a video of a dog who decided to take a joy ride…

https://bc.ctvnews.ca/mobile/video?clipId=2313042

Now THAT I found entertaining. Titan clearly does not yet have his license. Although it does remind me of the time Her Highness scraped Ludwig along the wall in a parking garage. But I never mentioned that story…..

May your Friday be fantastic- and your weekend even better.

Peace and paws up. Stay safe.

Hey everybody! Squirmy here again today! The other guys are still tired out after all the Halloween guard work, as unnecessary as it was, but I’m never tired so I get to write the blog! And today I thought I’d answer some burning questions about my Where’s Wojtek photos. It seems to be a hot topic – so we thought we would tell you some of the “behind the scenes” secrets to my sneaky snaps.

I should probably mention that sometimes the other guys WISH I would disappear when I take those photos . They say that, but I know they are joking. At least I think they are. Anyway, let me take you through a typical Where’s Wojtek photo shoot.

First, there must be treats. Lots of treats. This model does NOT work for free. And my rates keep going up.

Next, we go on a walk. Or to a specific destination. The Warden then scopes out the scenery, looking for places that yours truly could hide.

Then she takes me to a certain spot, and tells me to either sit or lie down. Then she gives me a treat, and tells me to stay or wait.

She walks away to get a good vantage point and to see if I’m really hidden. Sometimes we need to adjust my position. Every time we adjust, there is a treat payment. Actually, several treats. And when the Warden either returns to me – or she says “free” , I get even more treats!

After a thousand or so shots are taken we go home and the Warden looks though them. Sometimes she can’t find me. Which is a bit scary given that she took the photos. She then selects the best shot, and shares it with you!

To give you an example of a typical shoot, here are three shots in the same location! Good luck finding me!!! (one is pretty easy!)

You probably saw this one that was posted yesterday.

Yes – I was sitting in a hole, and covered in leaves for that one. The treats were super good. I must confess that while the Warden was “preparing the scene” by moving around the leaves, I went AWOL in the woods. The Warden said I was acting just like Viktor. But I wasn’t even chasing a bunny. I was running just because.

So that’s your behind the scenes look at my find me photos. The Warden says these are “functional stay” practices. I say they are easy – ya don’t move, and ya get treats. Pretty simple when you think of it.

Anyway- time to scout out some new locations!

Have a good one! Peace and paws up! Stay safe.