cheerleading

i've heard about dogs that get nervous if you stare at their food, or won't eat if there's anyone around. because i used to think Sam was a nervous dog -- hah! -- i would often serve his food in a different room, then leave to give him some privacy.

well, now he's on a complete dry food diet and the last thing anyone should do is leave the room. in fact, there are days when he won't eat unless he's accompanied by at least one human who patiently listens to his crunching. usually it's my daughter, who fortunately likes perching on the stairs or whatever, observing him. then she'll fill his bowl with toys and try serving it to him as a dessert.

dogs in training

in norway, where one might occasionally meet a bear, hunting dogs are tested against this rather cozy brown fellow. as is evident, many of them are hesitant about the furry fellow.

the problem with dog dangers -- as seen by us and by them -- is that they can appear infrequently and unpredictably, so that there's often no time to get the dog used to them (if it's not really a threat) or taught to avoid them (if it is). where, for instance, can i get a steady supply of model planes or passing hot air balloons? and why do the dogs Sam is scared of always appear when i have little or no treats to distract him with?

perhaps i should construct some cats and dogs on wheels, after all. but wheely flying machines?