There isn’t much out there that bugs a dog. But there are times when things
can get under the skin of even the “coolest†dogs. Here are some of their top
pet peeves in dogs … from the mouths of dogs themselves.
1. Leaving the toilet bowl lid down. Humans just don’t
understand that the water is cold, fresh and always tastes better there. For the
little dogs that have never been able to “reach†this delightful experience –
you don’t know what you are missing.
2. Not sharing in the fruits of your labor. I don’t mean
“fruit†actually. I mean that beautiful, 1 ½ -inch steak you cooked to such
aromatic perfection. We’re all part of the pack, right? Why am I not getting my
share?
3. Not understanding my behavior. Okay, so I like to greet
strangers by leaping on them. I like to chase my tail by that lead crystal vase
you call an heirloom. I’m not misbehaving; I’m a dog for crying out loud. It’s
all good, and like shadow chasing, helps build eye-to-paw coordination.
4. Bathing. What is with the daily bath “thing†that humans
do? And why do they inflict that obscenity upon me on occasion? Just when I
think I am smelling fine, they bathe me. I really don’t understand. I’m only
going to go out and roll in “something†again. They just don’t appreciate the
effort it takes to get that perfect doggie odor.
5. Rushing me to potty. Don’t they know that there is a true
art to finding the right spot? Just because they did not get up in time, they
are running late, they want me to “Hurry up and potty.†Have a little respect.
This is my chance to shine.
6. Being away. I love attention and being around people,
noise and excitement. When you are away, at work, or running errands … this is
time away from me. Don’t you know? It is ALL about me. Your life should revolve
around me AND I can make you regret leaving me behind….
7. Nail trims. They are my nails – I spend lots of time
growing them and here they come again touching my feet. I hate that!
8. Not letting me chase cats and wildlife (i.e. squirrels) .
They torment me by placing a “glass wall†between me and lots of critters
outside. How annoying. All I want to do is “play†with them. The other thing
they do is restrain me with this thing called the leash. I want to run forward
and I am pulled back. If they can’t keep up, they should just let me go. What is
a dog to do?
9. Catnip. Now this is one peeve that really annoys me. I
see the cat roll and play and even cry out in joy in response to catnip. I smell
it, eat it, lick it and … nothing happens. Nothing. I don’t get it.
10. Not letting me at the mailman. This is so unfair. I wait
all day for the mailman and finally he comes. The anticipation is great. Then,
they hold me back. Tell me to be quiet. Very annoying. They don’t appreciate the
fact that the mailman comes everyday and I single handedly scare him away. My
bravery and courage are unappreciated.
11. When my owner is playing with the other dog or cat. This
really hurts my feelings. Seeing MY owner play with someone else. It is all
about me… They really don’t understand.
12. Won’t let me eat from the litter
box. I think of it as an opportunity for a tootsie roll snack. My owners get all
grossed out, run around and then actually deny me access to what I desire the
most. I am actually helping to clean up. What’s the problem?
13. Expecting me to be at their beck and call. For a treat –
I have to do some little humiliating trick and pretend I like it. What about
independence, freedom and respect?
14. Sharing the bed. I don’t understand why I have to sleep
on the floor. Why can’t I have the bed and they sleep on the floor? I work hard
all day and night. I protect my owners, guard the house and scare away invaders
of my castle such as the mailman, cats, squirrels, and a multitude of other
creatures. I should be pampered.
15. Rolling up the windows. I feel such joy from the little
words, “wanna go bye bye.†This gives me thoughts of having the window down with
cool wind blowing through my hair, looking just dynamite as other dogs stare
from the curbs in envy and awe. And just when I am really getting into it – head
out, ear flapping, they roll up the window. Then I am forced to stare at other
dogs going by with their heads out the window. Mega bummer.
