Tag: dogs

I have two very young dogs (the girl is 20 months old and her brother is 9 months old). We jokingly got them to ‘replace’ our two grown-up children who have now left home to make their own ways in the world. The dogs are very loveable, and loving, bundles of fur but there are a few things I wish they would understand (one is not enough!):

• When I sit down to work, that does not mean it is play-time for you.
• When I am on Zoom or Teams calls, I don’t want to be competing vocally with your barking.
• I don’t really need to know when a neighbour is going out.
• I also don’t really need to know that a neighbour is chatting in their back garden. Or even walking in it.
• The wind is not scary – there is no need to bark at it.
• Birds are allowed to fly above our garden, they will not divert their course because you’re barking at them. Same with aeroplanes.
• When I have friends over, we much prefer it if we can hear each other speak.
• That I have you on a leash when we go for ‘walkies’ to keep you safe. I know it is a hassle, but you’re both under 2.5kgs (and unlikely to get heavier) and some off-lead big dogs think you are toys. I want to be able to protect you, as you try to protect me.
• You’ve been so beneficial for the whole family’s mental health. It’s always lovely to get a welcome when we come in, and you always do things which make us laugh.
• Although I often say to the contrary out loud in moments of exasperation, we don’t regret getting you both (although our neighbours might!).