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June 10, 2015

Small Dog, Big Lesson

Penny is smack dab in the middle of her “teenage” phase. Like most teenagers, Penny believes she knows everything and she believes she’s the coolest, toughest pup on the block. Pure teenage self-confidence At the dog beach, Penny’s teenage arrogance manifests as her setting the pace with her playmates.
Penny is smack dab in the middle of her “teenage” phase. Like most teenagers, Penny believes she knows everything and she believes she’s the coolest, toughest pup on the block.Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chicago, puppy, Montrose Dog Beach, Marking Our Territory, adventure

Pure teenage self-confidence

At the dog beach, Penny’s teenage arrogance manifests as her setting the pace with her playmates. She charges, bounces, chases and struts on her terms and you better fall in line!

But like all teenagers, Penny has a lot to learn. There are some hard lessons I just can’t teach her. Luckily there are a few veterans at the dog beach to help educate my rabble rouser.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chicago, puppy, Montrose Dog Beach, Marking Our Territory, adventure

Penny tried to goad this tiny guy into running away

Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chicago, puppy, Montrose Dog Beach, Marking Our Territory, adventure

She bounced and growled and showed how big she was, but he didn’t move

Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chicago, puppy, Montrose Dog Beach, Marking Our Territory, adventure

So Penny broke out her fiercest “you don’t want to mess with me” pounce-stance

Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chicago, puppy, Montrose Dog Beach, Marking Our Territory, adventure

At which point the little vet marched right into the belly of the beast

Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chicago, puppy, Montrose Dog Beach, Marking Our Territory, adventure

“I been dealing with young punks like you since before you were born…”

The little guy completely called Penny’s bluff and she froze. But the lesson wasn’t over, and I got to enjoy my best laugh of the day at Penny’s expense.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chicago, puppy, Montrose Dog Beach, Marking Our Territory, adventure

“Get off my lawn you no-good teenager!”

Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chicago, puppy, Montrose Dog Beach, Marking Our Territory, adventure

Penny sprinted away at full speed

Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chicago, puppy, Montrose Dog Beach, Marking Our Territory, adventure

And for the rest of our time at the beach, anytime my little pal stared at Penny she turned the other way

I love Penny’s confidence and spirit, but it’s also important she minds her manners. It’s good to have tiny heroes like my pal at the dog beach to help give Penny a reality check. She’ll certainly be more careful next time she asks a small dog to play!

Comments for Small Dog, Big Lesson

  1. he looks a little like Penny’s “mini-me” :o) I remember that teenager-time, some lessons we had to learn a special way :o)

  2. What a cute little guy…….good for him making sure she knows that smaller doesn’t mean weaker (at least not always!). Good lesson!

    Hugs, Pam and Sam

  3. Kismet says:

    Kali is even smaller (15 pounds) but can give anyone a pawfull.

  4. Emmadog says:

    Good one! Lessons are best learned with our own kind as the teacher.

  5. What an excellent teacher your pal was for Penny that day!

  6. So the ’90# so-called beach weakling’ gets sand kicked in his face and gives it back to Penny in spades. Adorable lesson chronicled here with a hearty chuckle for the rest of us.

  7. What a cute little dog! Glad Penny seemed to learn something.

  8. Ogee says:

    Little dogs with big attitudes! Watch yourself, Penny girl!

  9. I agree, that was a great lesson!

  10. Wendy says:

    I always love to see dogs given space to work these things out for themselves. People often seem to hustle their dog away from encounters with other dogs and the lesson isn’t learned.

  11. dashlilly says:

    I wonder when Penny will become the teacher… it could happen….

  12. I love it when the little guy defeats the bigger punk. Great lesson for all of us.

  13. sunny stuff, way to go little dude!

  14. Cupcake says:

    Learning to “read the room” is important. Mom tells me that all the time. I don’t get it….. Penny gets it!

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  15. T&S says:

    Oh no… little dogs… our female treats them like toys… and favorite play buddies…. its my nightmare seeing small dog comming an her rolling him over (the way she is greeting them).

    Our male was always gentle to them, and loved because of that from little-dogs-owners. Our neighbourgh has a cavalier spaniel little lady who adores him and comes to us few times a day to see him and climb on his nose 🙂

  16. Ahhh the arrogance of the youth! It was an absolute delight to scroll through this post! It’s winter here in Australia and Dexter and I are missing the White sands and blue skies you capture so beautifully. Just stunning.

  17. Wild child I think I love you .. Echo to Penny 🙂

  18. […] other. Especially during her “teenage” months, Penny was the repeated recipient of the “Don’t look for trouble, because you might find it” […]

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