Now that the groundhog has made his prediction on spring, I can’t help but look forward to warmer days—and wonder what Hershey will do if she ever runs into the groundhog I’ve seen in our own backyard. There’s a whole world of wildlife back there, and I’m curious how our little lab is going to react when she’s outside a lot more.
We’ve spotted raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, possum, groundhogs, fox, birds—even wild turkey—in our backyard. And it’s not like we’re in the middle of the forest—we live in a small city! But the biggest concern is the skunks. Neighbors on our block trapped at least a dozen of them last year. And I was greeted by a mama skunk and four babies at our back door late one night last summer. Are we going to make some smelly new acquaintances on a late night potty run this year? And what if Hershey uncovers a nest of baby bunnies like I did a few years back?
Since I inherited my mother’s tendency to worry about things long before they happen, I’ve been busy thinking about all the new challenges we’ll face with Hershey this summer. And I’ve got a list of things to worry about.
Two years ago I spent the entire summer, and I do mean the entire summer, installing a 6000 gallon koi pond. And I do recall that when I took the class learning how to construct it, there were some concerns to take into account if you have a dog. Which I didn’t at the time, and didn’t think I ever would, so I didn’t really pay attention to that part of the lesson. So now I’m wondering what those precautions were.
I know those sharp claws of hers could puncture a hole in the lining. And since I do have two zero entrance areas where she could just waltz right in, that is a concern. My 36 koi fish are in big trouble if Hershey puts a hole in the pond.
And they’ll probably be traumatized for life if Hershey ever jumps in. But she wouldn’t do that, right? It’s not like Labrador retrievers were originally bred in Newfoundland to help fisherman by jumping into the water to retrieve their nets and the fish that escaped, right? Gulp. She’ll probably think it’s her own personal training pool. It’s not like I can put a fence around it. The pond butts right up to our deck so she can just run and take a flying leap in. Will she stay out of the waterfall? Will she tromp through the little river I built? I spend a lot of time by the pond, and I’m sure she’ll want to be out there too.
Ready for some visitors?
Needless to say, I am a bit worried about Hershey’s backyard adventures. And it’s not just the animals, it’s the plants, too. I’m an avid gardener and our backyard is filled with gardens. Is there any chance at all of keeping Hershey out of them? Is she going to dig up my tulips? Chew on my daisies? Even now she enjoys nipping at the shrubs when we let her outside. The poor hydrangea bush gets munched on each time she goes out. It’s like part of her ritual on her potty runs. And dogs love to dig, don’t they? I’ve got a bad feeling about this.
Bye bye garden…
I suppose you can train a dog to do anything, but there’s a whole big backyard out there that she’s going to see as a playground. Is it possible to teach her to only dig in one place? Can she understand that she can romp on the grass all she wants, but not in the gardens? Would she even be able to understand the difference?
We’re still not sure if we’re going to put an electrical fence in our yard, or install a run for her. Maybe we’ll only let her outside when we’re walking her, or tie her up for a while? And I’m sure she’ll want to be outside with us. I think the kids and my husband will have a ball playing fetch with her. But I will be one unhappy camper if she wrecks my pond and plants. And is she going to be one of those dogs that barks at everything and everyone outside? I’m sure you’ve got one of those dogs in your neighborhood. Everyone does.
So, I suppose I should enjoy the calm, quiet winter, when she’s happy to pounce through the drifts and snap at icicles—but also just as happy to bound back inside our toasty home where there are no flower or fish to disturb. Summer time is going to bring a whole new set of challenges. I better get back to my worrying.
—————–
Have you missed any of the articles in this series?
If so, you can find them at:
The Bringing Up Puppy Series page.
Related posts:
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – Holding Tight
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – Instincts
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – Worries Worries
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – Loose
- Bringing Up Puppy Series – Potty Trained?
Perfect Puppy Care Free Membership
Join our community and gain the ability to submit photos into our Puppy of the Week Contest and win great prizes.
Click Here to Register
