Barky
by carolynholm
Dear Poppy,
I love your enthusiasm, but maybe we should work on your barking.
Love, Carolyn
Dear Alpha Mommy,
I don’t need to work on it! I’m a terrific barker!!!!
XOXO Poppy
Dear Poppy,
Like I said, I love your enthusiasm. But you are way too barky. I’m thinking we might dial it down.
Love, Carolyn
Dear Alpha Mommy,
What does that even mean?????
XOXO Poppy
Dear Poppy,
Well, okay, sometimes your barking is completely appropriate. I’ll give you that. Like when someone rings the doorbell.
Love, Carolyn
Dear Alpha Mommy,
Or when the postman comes and stuffs trash into our postal box!
XOXO Poppy
Dear Poppy,
That’s right! I mean, it’s not all trash. But yes, that’s a good time to bark. But honey, you don’t need to bark when someone simply walks past the house.
Love, Carolyn
Dear Alpha Mommy,
But I don’t do that!!!!
XOXO Poppy
Dear Poppy,
You just did!
Love, Carolyn
Dear Alpha Mommy,
Oh, you mean the ladies who were laughing and talking loudly. They weren’t just walking past our house. They were making exciting noises.
XOXO Poppy
Dear Poppy,
Well, they were on the sidewalk. Maybe we can allow that without barking? Also people walking by with dogs.
Love, Carolyn
Dear Alpha Mommy,
I only bark at the dogs I know. Like Cody, or Spencer, or Rosie.
XOXO Poppy
Dear Poppy,
You just barked at a Bichon I’ve never seen before.
Love, Carolyn
Dear Alpha Mommy,
He’s left his scent on every car tire parked on the street. So he’s a dog I know.
XOXO Poppy
Dear Poppy,
You also bark at bicycles, even when they are half a block away!
Love, Carolyn
Dear Alpha Mommy,
Of course I do! Bicycles are very provocative!
XOXO Poppy
Dear Poppy,
And when people come to visit. The doorbell bark is a good thing, but once they come in and I introduce you, I wish you wouldn’t keep barking. You drive us nuts, and sweetie, you sound crazy.
Love, Carolyn
Dear Alpha Mommy,
But I’m crazy with excitement!!!!!
XOXO Poppy
Dear Poppy,
It’s exhausting trying to teach you not to bark so much, sweetie.
Love, Carolyn
Dear Alpha Mommy,
I like it that you try! I love the little treats you offer to distract me!
XOXO Poppy
Dear Poppy,
I think I might need to rethink our training program.
Love, Carolyn
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