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March 12, 2015

Five Rules for the Dog Guild of Thieves

Eko and Penny, like most dogs, are unabashed thieves and live by Aladdin’s code; “I steal only what I can’t afford…that’s everything!” But I’ve discovered there is honor amongst thieves. The pups have an established set of rules governing their pickpocket ways. Rule #1: Absolutely no stealing from a fellow
Eko and Penny, like most dogs, are unabashed thieves and live by Aladdin’s code; “I steal only what I can’t afford…that’s everything!” But I’ve discovered there is honor amongst thieves. The pups have an established set of rules governing their pickpocket ways. Rule #1: Absolutely no stealing from a fellow thief’s food bowl.Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, photos, marking our territory, chicago

This law is sacrosanct. Puppy Penny tried to steal from Eko’s bowl her first week home but Eko quickly put a stop to that.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, photos, marking our territory, chicago

The pups have no problem eating nose to nose, and neither even considers going after the other’s bowl. Any kibble gets knocked out? Well, that’s fair game for a thief

Rule #2: An outright mugging or use of force to steal belongings is strictly prohibited. When it comes to toys an antlers, guile is the name of the game.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, photos, marking our territory, chicago

If Penny wants Eko’s antler, she waits for an opening

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, photos, marking our territory, chicago

If no opening appears, whining and crying and moaning like an Oscar nominated actor are all fair game

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, photos, marking our territory, chicago

The little thief’s tactics don’t always work on Eko, but she certainly knew how to steal another antler out of my wallet.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, photos, marking our territory, chicago

There’s not two of everything, so a thief must be ready to strike. There’s no stealing a toy while someone is playing with it, but if they happen to look away for a moment? Fair game

Rule #3: Adhere to the Treats Treaty. The treaty states that no dog should jostle or jockey to keep the other from eating well-earned treats. As a puppy, Penny relentless tried to eat every single treat, even those meant for Eko. But she quickly figured out she got more treats for less work if she sat politely.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, photos, marking our territory, chicago

You can only stretch a thief’s honor so far. After Eko’s gotten the treats there is no rule about trying to steal them from his mouth

Rule #4: When it comes to stealing the best seat on the couch, there are no rules. Whatever it takes, these thieves have no qualms about using brute force and trickeration to sit on the comfiest throne.

Wily Eko prefers to use his veteran wits. If Penny has the best seat, Eko will often prance into another room with a regular-old-toy, pretending it’s some kind of great prize. Penny can resist everything except temptation so she’ll dart off the couch to investigate. At which point Eko drops the toy and claims the vacant, but pre-warmed seat. Victory!

At least until Penny decides to use more direct tactics…

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, photos, marking our territory, chicago

She’s not the most subtle thief in the guild, but her methods are effective

Rule #5: No snitching.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, photos, marking our territory, chicago

No matter what differences there are between thieves, they’ll always play innocent. Even when caught in the act

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, photos, marking our territory, chicago

Operating in the shadows, and in the kitchen…and pretty much everywhere, they are the Dog Guild of Thieves

Of course, Eko and Penny are only one chapter of the global guild of thieves and they live by their own code.  What about your thieves? Do they follow the same codes as my two or do they have rules all their own?

Comments for Five Rules for the Dog Guild of Thieves

  1. The world is Sam’s oyster (or so he thinks) but he’s generally pretty good about not stealing stuff unless of course, it’s expensive leather items, then all bets are off. Don’t know what it is about leather that gets this goofy dog churned up. Sigh.

  2. meANXIETYme says:

    We have similar rules. No stealing things from each other when the other is using and/or eating it. But any hesitation or movement away from said object–even just a turn of the head–is open season.
    Butthead–the younger one–will even follow Le Moo around literally on her tail as Le Moo is using her round treat ball filled with Cheerios (evening treat). Butthead has already had her OWN cheerio ball and finished it, but she knows Le Moo will get bored with the last 2 or 3 cheerios and walk away. So then Butthead swoops in and finishes getting the last cheerios out.
    Le Moo doesn’t like toys, so Butthead gets all of them to herself. Sadly, she often tries to bring toys to Le Moo to share, but Le Moo doesn’t care.
    And Butthead always checks Le Moo’s mouth after they get treats, like she thinks she’s going to lick crumbs off Le Moo’s face or something! It’s so strange. Le Moo NEVER does that in reverse.

  3. I’m a thief, but I’m more with Jack Sparrow: take what you can and give nothing back :o)
    It’s interesting what Eko does to get the best seat on the couch… bet he read the book of Machiavelli :o)

  4. fredrieka says:

    Oh I do not share but I DO WAIT FOR OPPORTUNITIES to allow others to share. Especially BonBon she eats real slow I figure she is not that hungry. Momwithoutpaws catches me everytime so I get an ACH! I do not try to see if old Cissy wants to share she is like me the answer would be a NO!!

  5. I enjoy reading your blog because of the great photos and captions. Love Eko’s “trickeration” tactic. Being the only dog in the house, Max doesn’t have to worry about another dog stealing his treats or toys. As far as being a member of the Dog Guild of Thieves, he is very respectful of the toddler’s food and just hangs out near him hoping he’ll drop some. However, sometimes he does cheerfully take toys (or shoes) when he wants the kids to pay attention to him.

  6. Kismet says:

    Kali learned the hard way on her second day here when she tried to snitch Kyla’s green beans after already finishing hers. A half second and $400 in vet bills later and she never did that again.

  7. coastingnz says:

    Definitely no honor among thieves when it comes to toys around here – if one wants it, one takes it – be it either one!

  8. They really have a great relationship………….not just between themselves but with you and Emily as well……….it’s a great dynamic (even if the pups do a lot of their “dynamics” in th shadows!!!!).

    Pam

  9. Emmadog says:

    No stealing allowed around here, but anything left unattended for any reason or amount of time is fair game. We never attempt to steal food from another bowl, but cat bro Bert has no problem giving it a try and he often comes close to having his head bitten off! Outside stealing is allowed. Bailie and I enjoy finding a quality stick on walks and we keep on stealing it from each other.

  10. Joan says:

    No rules here, anything Buddy has, Sadie has to have too. I could have 10 of the same toys and young Sadie always ends up with them all. Poor old, but wise, Buddy has learned to let her think she’s getting away with it.

  11. Sage says:

    Since I’m an only pup in this household, there’s not a lot of stealing going on. HOWEVER, I steal Mom’s place on the couch whenever I know she’s about to sit there–it’s all about belly rubs, you know. Then there’s the kitties. I don’t have many opportunities to steal from them, but they’d better not give me a chance!!

  12. Year 24 says:

    We have five dogs so it is ongoing antics at all times. My favorite move is the misdirection, much like when Eko wants Penny’s spot on the couch. My hound, Hope, will see a stick she wants with another dog, pick up one she doesn’t want to arouse interest, then quickly give over and swoop in the claim the original stick. I love it when you can see the wheels turning!

  13. Fozziemum says:

    Haahah gorgeous..love the shadows…here it is a case of you snooze you lose…beds..treats…whatever..but it is a fair theft as each are as bad…they have to check each others bowls when finished..in case..Doc usually takes the bigger bed and Forrest seems happier in the smaller bed..an awkward look but he is happy…and yes anything i bake is food theft fodder for Forrest…:) Fozziemum

  14. Marcela says:

    Lol. I love the picture of Emily and your furry children. I think Emily is so used to their antics that she seems oblivious to the two of them playing so close to her:-)

  15. Deb says:

    I just love looking at the photos of your dogs, Will. They each have such great personalities! Your blog allows readers to enter their world — love it! 🙂

  16. Nellie is the master at theiving stuff from the other dogs.

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