Crafts for dogs: Build a couch fort

Do dogs need a creative outlet?

During BlogPaws this past weekend (more on that later), I ended up talking to a fellow blogger about how blogging allows me to satisfy my creative side. I couldn’t help but wonder, how do dogs scratch that creative itch?

For example, Tavish has found a way to channel his creative energies. He’s becoming quite the crafty canine. While I was busy attending sessions on Friday, Tavish was busy constructing this:

Tavish's couch fort: I Still Want More Puppies

For a proper fort, arrange the cushions just so…

He’s really been in a fort phase lately. The photo above depicts just one of his many creations. Some of his more advanced work even incorporates a blanket.

Next time your dog is bored, perhaps you should encourage him to embrace his inner abstract artist (or his inner Bob the Builder). It’s a little known fact, but fort building is good for the soul. Have more than one dog? They can work together to improve their interpersonal (inter-pup-sual?) skills.

Be sure to give your dog space, however. Some artists don’t like to be interrupted when they’re creating.

Tavish and pillows: I Still Want More Puppies

Keep out: Artists only!

You should also reassure your dog not to get stressed out if the fort doesn’t come together right away. The creative process can take time, so breaks are encouraged.

The artist at rest: I Still Want More Puppies

The artist at rest.

So, there you have it. An easy craft project for any dog. It’s a good thing.

(Want to check out some real mischief? Swing by the Monday Mischief blog hop!)

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Repeat after me: “Hello. May I pet your dog?”

I happen to be a Jezebel reader. I may not always agree, but they almost always get me thinking. Today’s post is inspired by one of those thinking moments.

Recently, Jezebel published a post about the Yellow Dog Project. (Have you heard of it? It’s a pretty neat concept - for dogs that need space, owners tie a yellow ribbon around the dog’s leash or collar to signal to others that they should not approach the dog without asking. It’s as if the dog is wearing a caution sign.)

The post was actually rather complimentary about the Yellow Dog Project, but there was something about it that kind of stuck in my craw.

(As an aside, what exactly is a craw? Do I actually have one or is it just a figure of speech? Sounds like I’ve found my next Google project.)

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National Grammar Day has gone to the dogs (and cats)

Today is National Grammar Day. I wanted to acknowledge this important day, but I really had trouble choosing a video. So, you get two.

First, I’d like to introduce you to a cat who really loves grammar.

Next, enjoy a crash course in apostrophes from a grammar-obsessed dog.

I hope to see more videos featuring the dapper Charles. I’ll be keeping an eye on his Twitter account.

Happy National Grammar Day!

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Why don’t dogs come with a snooze button?

Apparently, dogs do not come standard with a snooze button installed. I’m not even sure if that’s an available option in the upgrade package. In any event, if you know how to install an after-market snooze button on my dogs, you might be my hero. I tried to install my own. However, as you can see, the results were not encouraging:

After-market snooze button for your dog

My husband asked why I didn’t just Photoshop the post-it onto Bella’s head… I’m sure Bella would like to ask the same question.

Oh, well. Back to the drawing board.

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Interior de-whine: 7 tips for a pet-unfriendly home

Welcome back, students. In our last session, I taught you how to be a highly irritating dog walker. I’m glad to see that you refuse to stop there. I can tell that you love to learn. Or that you just love to be annoying. Either way, you’re in luck. It’s time for another free lesson.

Today’s topic? Creating a pet-unfriendly home. I know I’ve read a ton of articles about pet-friendly decor. It seems like the discussion has been a bit one-sided thus far, however. Where is the advice for people who don’t want to create a pet-friendly home? Won’t anyone help those who want to make their homes as unsuited to living with a pet as possible?

Never fear. Today, I am unleashing (pun intended and also a lesson from our first seminar) my inner Vern Yip (no pun needed). There’s no reason you should sacrifice your style for your pets. Make them accommodate you instead. Continue reading

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The 7 habits of highly irritating dog walkers

Do you want to be an irritating dog walker? The kind that others see on the street and are immediately annoyed by? If so, today is your lucky day!

For one day only, I’m offering a free primer on how to be an annoying dog walker. By employing these seven simple tips, you too can be the bane of your neighborhood! (Keep in mind, to really be the most irritating person on the block, you should use all of these tips in combination with each other. One or two just won’t be effective enough.)

Before we start, I’d like to introduce you to today’s instructor: Continue reading

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