Langbehn - 97 Ways to Make a Dog Smile

Ways to Make a Dog Smile Jenny Langbehn WORKMAN PUBLISHING NEW YORK Dedication For two of the finest people ever to grace the planet: my parents, Pam and Roger. Through them I learned the importance of respecting those who cant necessarily speak for themselves. They encourage me in all things, and have never begrudged me the occasional batch of orphaned creatures. I love you both very much. ContentsIntroduction Dogs are extraordinary creatures. Each has his or her own distinct personality; and like the proverbial snowflake, no two are just alike.

Loyal and flirtatious, placid and rambunctious, ready for a marathon play session and then quietly and comfortably nestled on the sofa, they live to please and seem to do so with great joy. This drive to please is unique among animals; no other creature is so motivated by its guardians happiness. And in the face of that kind of devotion, its impossible to not want to reciprocate. As all dog lovers know, dogs will delight in even the simplest activities. I find this one of their most enchanting and endearing qualities. Every walk is thrilling.

Every car ride brings the possibility for adventure. Each rub is so pleasurable it simply must not end! Even a makeshift toy, like an old sock, can be extraordinarily fascinating each and every time it is played with. It is so easy and so much fun to make your dog happyso happy that he or she actually smilesthat it makes the continuous mission to think up new and invigorating ways to please your pooch a natural extension of your love. The 97 ways suggested in these pages are just a few of the infinite possibilities for having fun. The rubs, tickles, games, tricks, and treats that I include here are tried-and-true favorites that have worked for my own dogs, and many of the dogs that I have come to know over the years. (In fact, quite a few patients actually look forward to their visits!) Most activities developed from the simple act of diversion from an unpleasant procedure, and evolved into one of sheer fun and unadulterated joy. (In fact, quite a few patients actually look forward to their visits!) Most activities developed from the simple act of diversion from an unpleasant procedure, and evolved into one of sheer fun and unadulterated joy.

Of course, not every suggestion is right for every dog. Many factors like breed, temperament, and age will affect a dogs reaction. Pay close attention to any activity your dog is enthusiastic about, and skip anything that seems to make him or her uncomfortable. My hope is that this book will be the springboard for a lifelong plan of creative and bonding exercises in fun for you and your dog. I would love to hear about your experiences with the activities in this book as well as any fun that results from them. Feel free to write me at doggiesmile@aol.com.

Lower-Ear Noogies A tried-and-true massage location, the ears are very sensitive sites. At the base of the ear, gently rub your knuckles in true noogie fashion. (To make a noogie, form a half fist with your knuckles sticking out.) Inner-Ear Noogies Put your hand in noogie position, and with the knuckle of your middle finger, rub the little piece of cartilage that juts out at the entrance to your dogs ear. The dogs head will probably tilt to one side, with her eyes half-closed. You are getting very sleepy... Using your index finger, slowly stroke the bridge of the nose in the direction in which the hair grows.

Using both hands, gently knead (dont pinch!) the excess skin of your dogs back and scruff. Sing a rousing rendition of Thats Amore as you knead the dogs skin like pizza dough. Make a hand sandwich. When your dog is lying on his side, slip your hand between him and the floor (starting at the shoulder), and run your hand slowly along the length of his body. The ripple will result in canine ecstasy.

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NOTE: Try this with your foot if the dog doesnt mind foot pats.

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NOTE: Try this with your foot if the dog doesnt mind foot pats.

The Jell-O Mold For our portly friends, place one hand (palms flat) on either side of the dogs body and gently shake the flesh. Optional sound effects include: a whirring noise or the old Jell-O gelatin jingle (Watch it wiggle, see it jiggle...). The Thumper Cupping your hand slightly, use your fingertips to rapidly scratch your dog on her side, just where the ribs end. Be prepared for the foot that may involuntarily waggle and thump in classic bunny fashion. Locate all of the cowlicks in the various places on your dogs coat, and trace them in a spiral motion with your index finger. Go with the grain for a soothing effect, against it to create shivers of excitement.

The Full-Body Massage Starting at the snout, thoroughly and methodically massage the entire length of her body. The White-Glove Massage For a simple variation on more standard massages, try your usual process with a pair of socks on your hands. The sensation is quite different for the dog because you are covering much more surface area with each stroke, and because your hands look funny with socks on them. Scratch under your dogs collar. Most petting skips over this vital spot, but many dogs fall over in pure rapture when this area is addressed. The Instant Face-Lift Using the palms of both hands, smooth the skin of the cheeks gently back in stroking motions toward the neck.

This action has been described as eliciting a false grin, but I assure you that the smile is genuine.

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NOTE: I like to accompany this move with commentary in my best Zsa-Zsa Gabor voice: Dahlink, you look vanderful. Dogs have very expressive eyebrows. Next page