Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Working Dog



Gordon Setters are Sporting Dogs. We were bred to hunt, point and carry birds around in our mouths. I look like a Sporting dog and I act like a Sporting dog but I am convinced that I entered the wrong Group in Mangominster 2009! Based on all that I've had to do lately I should have entered the Working Group.

Some of you may know that my person is a dog trainer. She helps people and their dogs with obedience and behavior problems. Some days I help her with her work with her students. Many of the dogs she works with weren't properly socialized when they were puppies and they are afraid of other dogs especially when they seen them out on walks. I am very confident and good around other dogs so I help Barbara desensitize them to me and teach them how to meet dogs nicely. I really don't know how she would manage with out me because I am the one with the good dog body language.

You can see from my schedule that I have been very busy.

Saturday: Help a Miniature Schnauzer learn to greet dogs properly. Practice with a pit bull mix so that she can walk past other dogs.

Monday: Socialize the puppies in the Junior Puppy class.

Tuesday: Demonstrate proper heeling to the Canine Good Citizen class as well as be the "neutral dog" that they have to sit and stay for. This was particularly hard as two of my boyfriends, Riley and Roscoe, are in that class and I couldn't play with them but had to set a good example. Very boring.

I understand that tomorrow I will be working with a German Shepherd puppy who is afraid of other dogs.





I know that there are child labor laws on the books but what about dog labor laws? And do I get paid for this? I do get to go through the drive through at Burger King and get the occasional cheeseburger or sometimes I can pick out a new stuffie at Phydeaux. But what about regular paychecks? Where are the vacation days and the 401 K plan?




See how exhausted I am! I am so tired that I can't even lift my head to play with my pelican stuffie.

10 comments:

Agatha and Archie said...

You know how they have child labor laws? You need to look into puppy labor laws.. this is an outrage.. Look ar you you can barely lift your head...... An occasional cheesberger?? NOT ENOUGH we say...( don't ask for a 401 you will just lose all your stuff) Let us know if you need any help...Love A+A

Hero said...

You are one busy pup! It must be exhausting have such a busy schedule, but both you and your mom are true heroes for all your efforts to help out other pups. I do believe that some extra cheeseburgers and extra play dates with your many boyfriends are in need.

Dughallmor Beagles said...

Heehee Niamh....maybe you should take strike action or at least talk to your union rep about your contract? Those critters would be lost without your expert guidance and good help is hard to find!
Phew, we're tired now and need a nap after reading about all your hard work :D
Slobbers xx

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

You are obviously one hard-working pup, and we all have boundless admiration for you, Niamh! It is thanks to you that so many other doggies learn to be gentledogs! We think you should get lots of treats!

Your Friends,
Tom and Tama-Chan

Molly the Airedale said...

We definitely think that you are working too hard and being paid too little for your services, Niamh! You need a vacation and a hamburger and ice cream too!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Anonymous said...

Oh Niamh!! You poor doggy, your mummy is using you for her work so you should get her paychecks! But I must say that you are doing a super duper good job at helping all the doggies that aren't as well behaved as you are, so your work must be kinda rewarding eh??
My mummy wants to do the good citizen with me, but she be scared that I will fail, cos I no like all that recall stuff, none of us pointers do, why comes back when there be birds to chase eh!! Mummys eh they just don't get us do they!!
Love n Lickies, Scotty xx

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

Poor you! You need to complain to some doggy higher ups about all this. Did you sign a pawtract? I bet all them other dogs are pleased though.
~lickies, Ludo

Samantha ~ Holly and Zac ~ said...

You do lead a busy life Niamh. Helping all those other dogs is fantastic. Barbara must be really proud of you. :-)

Holly & Zac...XX

the magic sleigh said...

Wooo! I found you on Mango Minster! I am glad I did, Mom is a trainer too and works me to death! I am so tired after coming home from doggie school, I sleep for 20 hrs.... I haven't been able to in a while because I was sick, but I am better now, and I miss all of the puppies and cheese and petting and fussing, but not the work.
-Kira The Beautiful

Anonymous said...

Hi Niamh! Goodness, you certainly are a busy dog! No wonder you're tired! But it's very nice of you to help train all those doggies. It sounds like you and your mom are a great team. Those cheeseburgers sure sound yummy!

Your pal,
Joey