We did pay lots of money for pup-specific shampoo. Last month, while at the vet’s office talking about Parker’s allergies, she said, “Try using baby shampoo.” Huh, Johnson’s Baby Shampoo? This inexpensive, non-tear, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic gift leaves his coat shiny, manageable – not to mention he smells like a dream. Given this new product choice, does he like bathtime more? Not so much.
Reading the book “Cesar’s Way,” I was struck by the “Who’s Top Dog in Your House?” chapter. Are you the pack leader or is your pup? Here’s the test: Does your dog jump on you when you come home? If you open the door to go for a walk, does your dog exit ahead of you? Does your dog bark at you to feed him and/or wake you up to let you know he needs to go out? Lastly, does your dog walk in front of you when on a leash? If you answered yes to any of these, your dog – not you – is the pack leader. I have to admit, Parker is the pack leader in our house – since I had to check three of the four items. Looks like I have some work to do.
At 2 a.m., I wake up to Parker barking ferociously, leaping off the bed and sprinting to the front door. I get up, with heart racing, to take a peek into the foyer. Everything looks the way I left it the night before. Naturally, I think, “He just got spooked.” That was until I hear a deep, bellowing bark. I look out the front door’s left side window to see a Pit Bull growling at me. He and Parker spar by barking back and forth – until I finally calm our protective Cavalier. I don’t know where our visitor came from last night. But, I certainly hope this was his first and last appearance.
Perfectly Parker 