My dogs are continually rewriting their training manual. Every morning I am supposed to be the one to go to the back door, ask all the dogs to sit and, then, open the door so they can file out in an orderly manner.
Well, the past few days there has been a slight change in this routine. All the dogs are sitting politely waiting by the back door with Vida being the closest to the door. I can’t really get to the door to open it because the narrow hallway is blocked with expectant dog bodies all watching me and patiently sitting so I thought I would try something new. I said, “Vida, open the door!” Bingo! He stood up and swiped the handle with his paw and pushed at the same time. Every single one of the dogs went through the open door before it swung shut.
The funny thing is Vida could let himself out and all the other dogs by himself but he always waits for me to tell him to do it. The other funny thing is that if anyone isn’t sitting or too pushy, he fixes them with “the eye” until they comply. Alta-Tollhaus Shepherds – better luv em before they take over the world!
Vida – not just another pretty face
Awww! What good doggies you have. We do that with Schumi too. We open the door and he has to sit and wait until we say “break” and then he can leave. He does pretty well! Vida’s so handsome!
Do you think they are really smarter then us and they are only humoring us? Could you image if dogs had opposing thumbs?
First of all—Margot, great story and excellent shot of Mr. Vida! Since he’s been a cover boy, I figure he likes being called Mr. Vida by now.
About Julie’s comment:
Have you ever noticed how all these Alta-Tollhaus dogs give you that sappy grin? Come on Julie, you don’t think that aren’t laughing at us? Of course they are humoring us. I live with the Good Humor Girl for gosh’s sake! And about that thumbs comment…you’d better start checking your dogs.
Margot’s right. It’s the Alta-Tollhaus GSD’s plot to take over the world!
I’m almost sure Rudi has thumbs, check Vida and Schumi more carefully. Perhaps they are retractable thumbs.
And Julie, if anyone is going to take over the world let it be the Alta-Tollhaus GSD’s. Of course we’d be wet all the time and tennis balls/toys would rule the global economy. Hmm…
Vida is gorgeous! Julie H
Julie H, you just gave me my laugh for the day…thank you! Of course what you said is completely true!
Julie H wrote
and don’t forget bully-sticks, cuz balls, and tug toys.