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.