Since we added the screen room off of our patio doors, I've been keeping
watch when either of the dogs, or both, are outside and want to come in. So
far they have been great, "No Jumping", screens intact.

So today I had the grandsons all morning and early afternoon. For a little
while, in all the hectic business of watching the boys, cooking macaroni &
cheese for them for lunch, I lost track of where the dog/s were, inside or
out. Actually, I knew Gracie was inside, forgot that somewhere in the
confusion, I'd let Merlin out. I heard a strange sound once or twice, but
chalked it up to one of the boys pounding on something. As I went back to
the stove to drain the macaroni, I heard it again and glanced out the
kitchen window to see Merlin *patiently* knocking on the screen door with
his nose, wanting in. What a good boy! He's really getting the hang of the
way our house functions. :-)

td

"tiny dancer" wrote in message
...
Since we added the screen room off of our patio doors, I've been keeping
watch when either of the dogs, or both, are outside and want to come in.
So far they have been great, "No Jumping", screens intact.

So today I had the grandsons all morning and early afternoon. For a
little while, in all the hectic business of watching the boys, cooking
macaroni & cheese for them for lunch, I lost track of where the dog/s
were, inside or out. Actually, I knew Gracie was inside, forgot that
somewhere in the confusion, I'd let Merlin out. I heard a strange sound
once or twice, but chalked it up to one of the boys pounding on
something. As I went back to the stove to drain the macaroni, I heard it
again and glanced out the kitchen window to see Merlin *patiently*
knocking on the screen door with his nose, wanting in. What a good boy!
He's really getting the hang of the way our house functions. :-)

It is nice when dogs learn the difference between what they may and may not
do. Now that it is hot, I have been leaving the sliding door to my deck
open, so fresh air can come in through the screen. I know that Muttley
could probably walk through that screen like it was a spider web, so I
placed an expanded metal grate across the opening. I think he "knows" that
he must not mess with it, so I have been trusting him alone with it open.
Now I am more concerned about somebody possibly breaking in, but the deck
does not have easy access except through the house, and I think Muttley
would present a rather formidible obstacle to anyone.

Paul and Muttley