Took a half day off today to puppysit while heating guys replace our furnace. We have half the house gated off so Koda doesn't attack the guys. While I know deep down that he could bite someone's ankle if I said "Get him, Koda!," his most frequent method of "attack" these days is that of the face licking and tail wagging sort.
Koda's actually a very friendly little guy, but also very aware. We had around 8 trick-or-treaters last night, leaving our door open so as to beckon the kiddies, and each time a kid would walk up our sidewalk Koda would let us know by standing up and start wagging his tail. And the crazy ninja and mini pumpkin costumes didn't phase him in the least.
Having read many articles on how best to raise a puppy, the mysterious "they" say that dog breeds have personality traits, but that it is possible to train them otherwise. They say that Great Pyrenees dogs are very loyal and a protective dog, and that they bark a lot. Supposedly if your Pyr doesn't know someone coming to your door, they will be vocal about letting their protective feelings known. Luckily we managed to do lots of socializing with Koda, introducing him to all our dog friends and taking him to outdoor movie nights at the local brewery and to a few art fairs, even. He's met tons of strangers- human and canine- and in the grand scheme has been a very kind and friendly pup.
Even though he's small and friendly, a puppy is indeed protective. The other day, I was taking the garbage outside around 10 p.m. It's a good 10-foot walk through the dark area next to our garage and out to our outdoor garbage can. And I'll admit that I am in many situations afraid of the dark. It's the whole unknown thing. There could be a person or a hissing possum with glowing pink eyes awaiting me. Or a snake. That's what makes the dark so mysterious... you never know if you're stepping on a tarantula or your boyfriend's old sock. Anyway- the other day, Koda followed me outside while I took out the trash, and even though he's only about 40 pounds of fuzz, I felt safe trekking out to the garbage late at night as my eyes adjusted to the darkness. It made me happy as I walked back inside, thinking of how Not Afraid I felt.
And today. Today, for example- there is a heating guy in our house who is installing a heater which takes literally all day. We've got that part of the house blocked off with a baby gate, and Koda's hanging with me all day. He's very keen and aware of all the new and different noises. The guy starts the drill, Koda runs upstairs. The guy brings in a fellow heating guy to help him carry in the new heater, Koda dashes into the kitchen to gaze at the new person through the metal and wooden contraption that is the only thing holding him back from biting some serious heating guy ankle if necessary (but probably not).
You know you've got a handsome dog when the heating guy says, "Wow- that is a cute dog." I know Koda wagged his tail when the guys came in, and although he's been curious about the drills and banging going on upstairs, but he hasn't barked once. I like that. Protective but not aggressive. I know this cute fuzzball could really kick some ass if needed. That makes me happier than you can imagine.
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2 comments:
Isn't it amazing how dogs are so obediant? They are such amazing God-given creatures. I never used to care for animals too much until I realized how innocent they really are and how eager they are to please humans. When trained properly, dogs are so obediant and well-mannered. Think of how often pets get scolded when they try to do their own thing. I mean really, they are just expected to obey humans and in doing so are so dependent on our praises. Animals can truly be our best friends. I always thought that was cheesy, but they are really always there for you! They don't leave when you get mad and they are always there to listen. I wonder what animals would say if they could talk? Blessed are we for having the companionship of fuzzy little furballs!!
Amen, sister! Having a dog has taught me so much, and I find the psychology of the little guy SO interesting. You've hit the nail on the head, and must have been closely observing puppy nature as of late. Maybe you can be a pet psychologist!
As much as I was afraid that a dog- who always wants to be around- would cramp my sometimes independent "needs time alone" nature, more times than not, I find myself smiling at how cool it is that there is a being in my life who cheerfully greets me when I get home... Every. Single. Day.
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