A few weeks ago, I went to visit my best friend for a long weekend. That meant my husband in charge of the boys. It wasn’t long before my husband started noticing “strange” behaviors. He noticed that Rocky and Jacques would be huddled together in random places throughout the house. Initially, he thought it was because they had decided to be “best friends,” but after this went on for a while (and because they stared at him the entire time), he began to wonder if they were conspiring against him. Conspiring to do what, we don’t know – but just look at them! They look guilty of something!
He took this video of them proclaiming their innocence. Or maybe they were proclaiming their bromance. Or maybe they just wanted a treat. Either way, it all seemed a little suspect.
After the video, it seems as though the boys decided it would be best if they went their separate ways. Was it a bromance gone sour? Or co-conspirators who decided to lay low for a while? Hmm… Since I don’t speak dog (dang it!!), I guess we’ll never know… But I can guarantee we’ll be keeping an eye on them!
Niko, my late Shepherd, was a dog of many talents. Rocky wasn’t far behind – as long as a treat was involved. One of the “fan favorites” was a trick we called “bang! you’re dead.” Given the name of the trick, I’m sure you can guess what it entails, but just in case… I’ll describe it to you. I would point my finger at the boys and yell “bang! you’re dead!” Niko would respond with theatrics – groaning, dropping to the ground and flopping over on his side. Rocky’s version was more “bang, you’re mortally wounded” which involved him throwing his head down and slightly turning his shoulders while keeping an eye on the treat in my hand. I’m not sure if his response was because he was too big to flop over on his side or didn’t quite get the concept. Or maybe both. Either way, that trick was always amusing – especially for younger kids.
Since this has always been a favorite, I decided I would try it with Jacques. Why not – it only took a year to teach him to shake and to speak on command?!
The first attempt was sadly funny. I had a treat in my hand and was able to get him to lay down. After that, it went downhill and fast. Jacques went through his tiny repertoire of tricks as quickly as possible, throwing himself at me in the process. Sit. Lay down. Roll over. Lay down. Speak. High five. Lay down. At one point he was moving so erratically that I wondered if he was going into some sort of doggie trick induced seizure.
I was finally able to get him stop flailing long enough to start the process over. We went through the spazzing out routine a couple of times. He was so excited by and focused on the treat – it was like I was dangling filet mignon in front of him after starving him for a week. (Just by the way, this dog does not starve. And if he says he does, he’s full of it. Just look at his belly!) Finally… after trying to nibble on the finger I was pointing at him… he flopped on his side. I was so excited I screeched and starting chanting “Good boy! Good boy!” went sent him into Doggie NASCAR laps in the living room.
Once everybody calmed down, I tried it again to see if he could do it – and he did! Sort of. It was good enough for me. Anyway, we kept working on it and over the course of two days – yes, TWO days – he was able to get it down. I was so excited I videoed it because I knew no one would believe me. I sent it to my husband and Jacques’s Auntie Gina. Auntie Gina was shocked and couldn’t stop laughing. My husband’s response was “Great! Does he know the difference between ‘bang’ and ‘roll over’?” I said, “Well, he did on that take!”
So, I want everyone to see for themselves… The first video is the first take. The second video is Jacques’s showing the difference between “bang!” and “roll over” with an unintentional homage to Rocky.
I’m so proud of how far he’s come!! We’re definitely making progress!!
Okay, Jacques actually came into our lives in December, but he didn’t really come home to stay until January. Besides, Jacques-cember doesn’t flow quite as well. 🙂 We don’t know how old he really is (somewhere between 4 and 6 by now), but he acts like a puppy and greets each day with enthusiasm and gusto (once he actually wakes up and gets moving). So to celebrate all that is Jacques, this post will be “Just Jacques.” That’s it. “Just Jacques.”
Enjoy and remember to keep your heart open because love comes in all shapes and sizes!!
Another Jacques in a box… (It doesn’t get old!)
Jacques and Baby Lamb Chop (before Jacques dismantled her)…
Sleeping beauty…
Another picture of Jacques sleeping…
Another sleeping picture?? Does anyone see a trend here??
I think this dog is narcoleptic or has some sort of sleep disorder…
*sigh* It’s a ruff life, but someone’s got to live it.
Oh look! A picture of Jacques awake. And with toys spread out everywhere. How novel.
Jacques' Dog Blog 