Look at her mug shot. The Bichon with attitude. I know it’s too soon for another dog post, but I can’t help it. I have to tell her story. First, she knows I like her. Dogs have a sense about that. It doesn’t matter how much you pet a dog, if you don’t like the dog, it knows. I like her, and she likes me, so this is not about jealousy or strife.
This is about Chelsea’s habits. What would you think about a dog that clamps her teeth around the stuffed toy you bought her and shakes it until her teeth make a breach in the cloth? Yes. Chelsea performs this ritual on all her toys. After the breach has been accomplished, she shakes them until the stuffing comes out! What does her owner, my hubby, do about it? He says to me playfully, “She’s killing another one.”
Here is another Chelsea trait. This one is really darling. When I put our food on the table, and we sit down to eat, as soon as Steve begins to say a prayer of thanks, she starts whining loudly, then barking, then whining louder until he says AMEN. (I recorded her doing this, but I have been unable to upload the video on my blog.) Once the praying stops, she continues to whine until Steve gives her food. You cannot blame a pooch for begging for food, can you? Certainly not.
What about this? When it’s time to watch TV, Chelsea checks out what we are watching. If there is anything on the screen that disturbs her, she barks furiously at it until the scene changes. You would be surprised how often Chelsea disapproves of what we are watching. We ignore her. After all, she is a doll, and she truly is.
This morning, I could not contain myself. Steve and I were sitting on the couch speaking with one another. She didn’t like not being included in the conversation. We knew this even though she didn’t tell us in words. She barked like there was a roaring bear staring her in the face. Finally, I turned and looked right at Chelsea and screamed SHUT UP! She stopped barking immediately and perked up her ears with a questioning look on her face. I looked back at her and smiled. She is SO cute. How could I not? She pranced over to me and demanded a reassuring pat on the head, which I gave her. Steve and I started up our conversation again, and Chelsea began barking again. Yes. We talked louder and she barked louder. Ha! Chelsea rules! Yes! A spoiled rotten Bichon lives here! But she is TOO cute!
By Carol Ann Hoel
Cah4el's Blog 
That’s too funny Carol Ann. I think the Bichon intends to remain Queen of the castle. 🙂
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Yes, and she will remain the pet queen, not because she was here first, but because, like a child, her feelings count. We will make room for one another.
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As entertaining as she is, I’m afraid I wouldn’t find any of that barking very endearing because it really is straight misbehaviour. (How can you tell I’ve been a dog obedience trainer???) But it’s hard not to be forgiving when a dog is as cute as she is. 🙂
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You are right. The barking during TV and discussions is annoying, and the behavior predated my presence. She has done it for years, and it is bad behavior. Steve interrupts her at times, when she is doing it excessively. He says loudly, “STOP.” She tries out a bark or two more, but after the second or third command, she lies down and pouts. She is sweet and annoying at the same time. Steve is very patient. Thank you for your comment. Blessings to you, Carol…
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She may like you but she doesn’t like being second to you with the man of the house!
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You are very right about that! She didn’t like it with the first lady of Steve’s house, either. My husband passed away last October; Steve’s wife passed last August. Chelsea had Steve to herself for ten months. Seasons of life. They are not permanent. Steve and I are no longer lonely. There are pluses and minuses to her new situation with me. She is adapting to her circumstances. Maybe she will adopt me. I suspect that she will never be truly glad being second to me with Steve, as you say. Some things never change, perhaps. Blessings to you, Patricia…
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Tough behavioral issue, but absolutely darling pup.
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I forgot to mention that she likes to run off with our shoes. Ha! We have to keep them elevated or she will dig them out if she can reach them. Still, she is a loving pet, and we can lift up our shoes and occasionally lift our voices in protest of her barking. Thanks for your comment, Jamie. Blessings to you…
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I’m sure Chelsea will adopt you, how could she not love one so kind?
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Aw, you are so sweet. She is a delightful pet. I am blessed by Chelsea. Blessings to you, Patti…
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Chelsea is charming, not least for sharing a name with my daughter. I had a dog called Lulubelle who also barked like mad anytime there was a conversation going on.
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Ha! The barking can be annoying at times, but she is expressing herself. She thinks she is a people, too, and wants to contribute. Lulubelle probably felt the same way. Chelsea is a charming name. I agree. Blessings to you, Cindy…
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