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July 7, 2015

How to Win Friends and Influence Dogs

I’m convinced Penny snuck into the public library one day and read the cumulative works of Dale Carnegie. When we’re at the dog beach my little schemer certainly puts into practice many of his most famous quotations.  “Today is life – the only life you are sure of.
I’m convinced Penny snuck into the public library one day and read the cumulative works of Dale Carnegie. When we’re at the dog beach my little schemer certainly puts into practice many of his most famous quotations. Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, montrose dog beach, chicago, adventure

“Today is life – the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto”

Carnegie said, “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.” And what Penny wants is to chase other dogs. In order to succeed and be happy, Penny employs a very deliberate strategy.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, montrose dog beach, chicago, adventure

When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.”

The thrill of the chase is better when the stakes are raised, so Penny finds the pups who have the most emotional investment in running fast. Not surprisingly, these are the “fetch dogs,” the pups who live for chasing their toy.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, montrose dog beach, chicago, adventure

If you want to gather honey, don’t kick over the beehive”

If Penny were to actually steal the ball or frisbee the “fetch dog” wants, it would end the chase. Instead she simply pretends she’s going to steal it in order to encourage the pup to run/swim faster.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, montrose dog beach, chicago, adventure

To be interesting, be interested.”

But chase is no fun if one party is upset, angry or afraid, so Penny’s learned to bounce around her pals to keep the game fun and lighthearted.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, montrose dog beach, chicago, adventure

The expression one wears on one’s face is far more important than the [ridge] one wears on one’s back.”

And if more pups want to join in? Great!

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, montrose dog beach, chicago, adventure

“If you want to keep happiness, you have to share it!”

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, montrose dog beach, chicago, adventure

“Actions speak louder than words, and a smile say, ‘I like you. You make me happy. I am glad to see you.”

While Penny applies Carnegie’s tactics on her fellow pups, the friends she wins are often of the two-legged variety. “My dog has never slept better” is a common refrain we hear from people after their pup has a play-date with Penny.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, montrose dog beach, chicago, adventure

“No matter what happens, always be yourself.”

And what makes Penny such a good influencer? “People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing,” and no one has more fun than Penny!

Comments for How to Win Friends and Influence Dogs

  1. Victoria says:

    that is without a doubt a happy pup when she is chasing and playing at the beach

  2. meANXIETYme says:

    I wish you’d vacation in my area. Butthead LOVES to be chased and often will pick up a toy to encourage one of the other dogs to chase her. Unfortunately, neither of the other two dogs in her life cares about the toys, so it’s a pretty sad failure to watch. Instead, we will often chase her around the house trying to “get” the toy… 😉

  3. She’s a puppy party to-go! 😀

  4. Love this post and the beautiful photos! Is Penny available to tire my new little sister out? 😉

  5. Connie Taylor says:

    Look up the word “Happy” in the dictionary, and Penny’s photo will be next to it. (At least it is in the dictionary I use )

  6. Kismet says:

    She might be of the WIll Rogers school-“I never met a dog that I didn’t like”.

  7. Love that pawty girl and her smile. Her zoomies make me tired just watching. Good to see her run circles around the boys.

  8. Emmadog says:

    I think Bailie has been studying the same principals as she is the same way. Love all the quotes!

  9. So, basically, Penny’s the party dog that everyone loves.

  10. coastingnz says:

    She sure is a happy girl – hard to beat a happy puppy dog 🙂

  11. T&S says:

    Love everything you wrote, it always makes me smile how similar our dogs are.
    Our little lady also likes to chase other dogs who are interested in their toy 😉
    I am also looking forward to your new posts about Pennys agility training (hope our female attends them also in september).
    Best regards 😉

  12. Cupcake says:

    I wish I could run with you, P. But I need a nap just from looking at these pictures! You’re a rocket.

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  13. Ogee says:

    I think everyone should sign up for this version of the Carnegie course!

  14. There can be no doubt, Penny is living large and living the quotes!
    Wally & Sammy

  15. fredrieka says:

    smile as you play always helps you can tell from the first picture

  16. Marcela says:

    Great pics and excellent post:-)

  17. Penny knows how to have a blast. Makes me want to take my pups to the beach!

  18. I would love to use this post in my training workshops, citing you, of course. Is that ok?

  19. great quotes and fabulous pictures to go along with them.

  20. Jon Lor says:

    Just seeing your wonderful blog for the first time. 2 weeks ago we lost our weimaraner to that same dreaded cancer as your brother’s dog. Thanks for sharing your story!

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