It was fun dog sitting for Dr. Deeks for two weeks. I was able to get to know Chelsea and Sophie, and spent time with them. Some people don’t like it when I say dog is like little children. But I would say that, they have similar traits. They will often test your boundaries and push your limits. They want to know when you will give in and let them do their ways. But I’m a no pusher, I mean, if the house is under my supervising I will do my best to keep everything under control.

Sophie is a two year old yorkie, who is still a puppy. She is full of energy and constantly asks for your attention. Do you understand doggie’s language? Sophie is so different than other dogs that I came across before. She’s not afraid to say what she needs. That being said, a dog owner must understand her language. You have to really pay attention to when and how she barks, in order to understand what she needs. This understanding must come from a strict routine, and dog owner’s observation to know what she is barking at.

Chelsea, on the other hand, is quite and gentle; maybe she is a little bit older… or a lot older. She is a 14 year old Shih Tzu crossed Bichon Frise. She is absolutely obedient, she would follow every commands even when it is against her will. This overweight doggie loves treats, and will steal food if she ever finds an opportunity. Being physically larger than Sophie, a little push can make her way to Sophie’s bowl with no problem. But I watched her, I stopped her, I commanded her to sit right next to me when Sophie was still finishing her meal. You could see the sparkling in her eyes, how she longs for few more nibbles of food. Like I said, she is absolutely obedient, she could’t resist my commands and ended up sitting far from Sophie.

The advantage of having a competitive dog and an obedient dog is that dog owner can train however you want them to be. I utilized Chelsea’s obedient to train Sophie to sleep on the floor. When I commanded Chelsea to go to bed, she would immediately follow and sleep on her bed while Sophie would still wander around the room. But I intentionally praise Chelsea with louder voice and with extra petting on her head. Gradually, Sophie who loves to seek human’s attention and affection, would want to be petted and praised during bed time. Her competitiveness drove her to walk to her bed, even it is against her will. Sophie, none the less, will do whatever it takes to be loved and praised.

These fluffy friends are precious and I’m glad to spend time with them. I learned so much spending time with them. I got to understand more of the relations between strict routine and behaviour. Also, positive and negative consequences after their each event, will influence how they behaviour later on.