Spoiled?

It has been suggested that Dieter is, perhaps, one spoiled-rotten pup. Yeah, that's probably true. But isn't that always the case with your "first"--child, dog, whatever?

He certainly has had a wide and varied array of toys since we fist got him last January. Dieter loves squeaky toys (although on the "Dog Whisperer" last night Caesar said the sound is supposed to mimic the sound of a dying animal--gulp), but his strong jaws and chompers mean those sort of toys don't last very long with his vigorous chewing. We've had to toss a number of squeaky toys in the trash after he ripped them up.

Indestructo-ball.

Of late he's been enjoying a ball with a handle: it's a pretty decent size, and Dieter has figured out the best thing about it is that if he chomps on it, it makes a wheezing sound like an asthmatic warthog. He loves to play ball, so he has an assortment of balls that have held up well and with which he loves to engage his humans for fun and frolic. Ones that have held up well (and which have interesting names) are the Jive Dog Toy and the Hol-ee Roller. Kongs and Nylabones also hold up well in Dieterland.

I've also bought him a treat ball and a Kong that dispenses treats. They keep his mind active and he has a good time getting the treats out. It didn't take him too long to figure out how to do it--either give it
a good whack with your paw or pick it up and toss it.  

So far, I'd say his toys aren't too over the top (although he does have quite a collection from which to choose). Here's where it maybe gets a little indulgent on our part. Dieter eats his meals off a green mat inscribed with his name. He says his kibble tastes better since we got that. And then there's his lineage (in chart form) that I ordered from the AKC. I'm working on my own genealogy, but I can't say that even I have such a fancy family tree. 

I might not always lounge around, but when I do,
I like my monogrammed mat and toys nearby.

Just to assuage anyone's fears that Dieter is an enfant terrible--he's not totally coddled, nor does he indulge in outrageous behavior. He goes to school and is good about doing his homework. After that there's always time to play!