Yikes - it is COLD outside! I think Rufus has wanted to go outside proportionately according to the drop in degrees of temperature. In other words, the colder it has gotten outside the more often he asks to go out!
I've got the mastering of layers down pat - and I think I earned a speed record of layering and un-layering this morning at his usual 6:30 am wake up playtime! UGH!
Although, we are also learning that to ask to go out to potty (which is a different and obvious set of actions by Rufus) -- and NOT needing to actually go, will get Rufus a time out. He gets a certain amount of time for his potty duty (depending on whether he is acting like he might need to go, once outside, or he is looking for a twig to toss in the air). If he is tossing a twig, we go back inside and have kennel time.
We did this 5 times yesterday, and only 2 today (as in # of times he DIDN'T have to go - not actual potty breaks). Progress!!
Now he still asked to out for his playtime today about 150 times, and despite the adorable, pleading look in his eyes and the toy hanging from his mouth, we stuck to three. We tossed the toy only until he started losing interest. Normally we may stay out to coax another 100 or so tosses - but my fingers were numb. Last I checked it was about 20ºf.
I even brushed about a pound of loose fur off of him in hopes he would find it chillier with less excess fur.... NOPE! But at least the dust black bears are now more like the size of dust raccoons.
I'm asking Santa for an Arctic Parka, battery-operated heated socks and a Nanook of the North hat!
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