Notes on Bucky 1 yr.+

Ahhh Buckminster.
Before I forget, a few words about the canine, as he seems to me these days.

It overstates the case to call this canine domesticated.
At best the domestication element is a work in progress.
Too frequently, but perhaps less frequent than 6 months ago, he shows off his 'wildness'.


B is persistent in his calls for attention. Really persistent.
Like some used car salesman who simply cannot register the sound No.
(for the record I have also tried the German 'Nein' with similarly poor results.)
I have also tried physical gestures - a tug on his leash, an elbow or knee to his chest,  a shove with my hand - and never does the first attempt get results.

Mostly he wants to play. With a ball or a stick or some battered toy.
But his understanding of play is twisted.
As much as he would like to chase a thrown ball or stick, he adamantly refuses to part with the thing.
He'll keep it in his mouth and urge you to take it from him. ... As if that's a fair contest.

B is a long dog. Long in limb and torso. And relatively lean, especially with a trimmed coat.
Standing on his hind legs, with his front paws supported - by your chest, or a fence, or a wall, - he appears well over 5 feet in height. Some find this intimidating.

B's range of vocalizations is remarkable.
Most notable is his 'big dog bark'. Terror inducing I'd say. So have others.
It'll stop you in your tracks, instantly.
This is the bark of a creature that is signalling its intention to disassemble your body parts messily.
At the other end of his vocal spectrum is the soft plaintiff wailing and whining - infant like.
And there is an array of in between sounds.
Exhalations of exasperation.
Short, sharp, barks just to grab attention.
Whole sessions of medium barks to announce the detection of intruders, or merely passers-by.
Quite the repertoire.

Bucky is a sneak.
He knows when you are watching, and the moment your gaze averts, off he goes.
Too clever by half this mutt.