If you’ve ever visited our home, you’ve already met our dynamic duo: Sweets and Dolly, our two German Shepherds. They’re fluffy, lovable, and (mostly) well-behaved… well, depending on their mood and where they happen to be when you walk through the door. Sometimes we end up with really scared visitors.
You see, our girls have a quirky welcome routine. If they’re chilling out in their kennels when guests arrive, they turn into the German Shepherd version of an over-the-top alarm system. Sirens, barks, and a whole lot of ruckus. It’s like they think they’re defending the White House. (Spoiler alert: They’re not.)
But here’s the twist! If they’re NOT in their kennels? Total opposite. No barking. No chaos. Just wagging tails, goofy grins, and the kind of over-the-top hospitality that makes you feel like you’ve walked into a surprise party planned by two dogs.
The Mystery of the Kennel Bark-a-thon
So why the barking when they’re in their kennels? It’s not like they’re uncomfortable. Those kennels are cozy enough to make a luxury hotel jealous. We’re talking plush bedding and plenty of space for doggy yoga stretches.
We’ve narrowed it down to two possible reasons:
- “Hey! We’re in here! Pay attention to us!”
Sweets and Dolly have a serious case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). When they hear voices but can’t join the fun, they sound the alarm like they’re auditioning for a role in a canine crime drama. - Guard Dog Mode Activated:
When confined, they seem to think it’s their duty to protect the house from invisible threats… like the sweet neighbor bringing cookies or the mailman (public enemy number one in their eyes).
Free-Range Shepherds = Happy Greeters
Now, let them loose before visitors arrive? Different story.
Once free, Sweets and Dolly transform from barking sentinels to the welcoming committee you never knew you needed. Tails wagging so hard it’s like they might take flight, they wiggle and squirm with joy. Dolly especially is all about full-body greetings. If you’re not careful, she might try to climb into your lap (all 75 pounds of her).
Meanwhile, Sweets plays the cool, friendly host. She’ll give you the polite nose-boop, then plop down nearby like she’s saying, “Welcome, human. You’re safe now.”
Managing the Bark Fest
So, what’s the solution when we have guests?
We’ve discovered a few tricks:
- The Pre-Visit Release: Letting them out of their kennels 5 minutes before guests arrive works like a charm. No barking. Just pure, tail-wagging happiness.
- Kennel Karaoke: If they have to stay kenneled, we distract them with puzzle toys or treats. Turns out, a peanut butter-stuffed Kong works wonders for keeping them too busy to bark.
- Visitor Orientation: We brief guests ahead of time. “If they’re barking, don’t worry. It’s just their way of saying ‘HI, WE SEE YOU!’”
Why We Love Their Quirks
Sure, the barking can be a bit much, but we wouldn’t trade our girls’ personalities for anything. Whether they’re the Bark Brigade or the Hug Patrol, Sweets and Dolly remind us every day how much joy dogs bring into our lives.
So, next time you visit, expect one of two things: an enthusiastic bark chorus… or two fluffy, over-excited greeters who just want to be your best friends. Either way, you’re in for a memorable welcome!
