A list of things to keep close while taking care of my dog, Cosmo.

read more

Fast facts

  • 3-4 “take outs” recommended
  • 2 servings of food per day + water free fed

Details

  • 3-4 “take outs”, known colloquially as “quick pees” recommended
    • 3-4 pees expected
    • 1 poop expected
    • 1 right after waking up
    • 1 right before going to sleep
    • These are usually 1-2 minutes in duration.
    • After each takeout, he will expect a treat. If not received, he will likely whine and bark.
  • 2 servings of food per day
    • 1 after first morning pee
    • 1 at around 5pm
    • He often does not fully finish his food in one sitting, and will just come back throughout the day and eat it.
    • 1/2 cup (4oz) each serving
  • Water should be “free fed”
  • “Long” walks, 5-10 minutes or longer, are not required but he will accept them
  • Cosmo should remain leashed when outside. The longer the walk, the more recommended the use of his harness is.
  • Incessant barking should be rare after the initial drop off. He will likely bark when there is a knock on the door.
  • Cosmo can be trusted with any household items: shoes, table legs, carpet, etc.
  • Cosmo cannot be trusted with any food items or items reasonably believed by him to be food such as: muffin wrappers, napkins, used feminine hygiene products, etc.
  • If Cosmo is barking and you want him to stop due to neighbor disruption or a sleeping spouse, you can pick him up. He never barks when being held.
  • If he's whining under your bed/couch, it could be because he wants to be in a different room. Try opening the door and see if he leaves the room.
  • Cosmo normally sleeps on our bed with us (near our feet) but will get the picture
  • Pictures are STRONGLY encouraged.
  • Sometimes he likes to eat his dinner right next to and when you are eating dinner. He enjoys the community aspect of eating.
  • If he's not eating and you really want him to eat, you can try hand feeding him one piece of food at a time. Tara does this sometimes and this narrator thinks it's ridiculous.

Cosmo whining/barking/spinning flowchart

  • Is there someone at the door?
    • If yes, let them in and he’ll stop barking.
  • Did you forget to give him a treat after he went for a quick pee?
    • If yes, give him one. Have him do a trick, like roll over, or high five (put your two open palms out at his level), dance (twirl the treat over his head).
  • Is it past 5pm or close to 5pm?
    • If yes, please feed him.
  • Is he out of water?
    • If yes, provide water.
  • Is he currently whining in a room that has a door closed?
    • If yes, try opening the door. He might just want to leave the room.
  • If none of the above apply, take him out for a quick pee.
    • If he was just out, scold him by saying “No! You’re done!” with a stern voice, pointing at him with an index finger.