Friday, May 6, 2011

Pooches: Mr. B the Only Child

We adopted Mr. B when he was already 5 years old. We knew we needed an older, wiser pooch that could keep Miss M in check. Instead, we found Miss M keeping him in check:
We joke that Mr. B was an unsocialized only child, because he doesn't quite understand the concepts of toys and play. He is constantly hoarding his toys and keeping his collection stored in his tepee.
And even with Miss M constantly sticking toys in his face, he won't take the lure and he just stands there. We originally thought this video was funny because Miss M was being so bratty, but looking at it under this perspective, we find it funny that Mr. B doesn't understand the concept of play and is more willing to stand there, and be used as a table, than take Miss M's bait.
I wonder if dogs like Mr. B don't like to play because of lack of socialization? Or is it really just a personality thing?

23 comments:

Unknown said...

Makes you wonder what his first life was like? All I know is that it is MUCH better now! I think he's just Mr. Go With the Flow and the handsomest boy out there!

The Daily Pip said...

I think personality and socialization both play a role - nature and nurture just like with humans!

Great pictures as always!

Your pal, Pip

Antoinette Errante said...

Well, it's certainly not for Ms. M's lack of trying to get Mr. B to play. Or was Ms. M trying to crown Mr. B? I think Ms. M and Mr. B have some kind of karmic relationship, some spritual stuff they're trying to sort out. Ms. M was probably sent to learn the difference between being affectionate and Mr. B to learn about accepting love and companionship gracefully. probably why Ms. M does not take no for an answer and Mr. B accepts her advances with deep resignation. ; )
Thanks it's nie to start the day with such hilarity.

Antoinette Errante said...

That was to read the "difference between being affectionate and being (slightly) bossy"

jen said...

Mr B just seems so laid back with the attitude of "whatever"
I think all dogs are different.
Sherman loves to play with his toys with humans and not other dogs, where as Leroy would rather play with another dog than a human.

Anonymous said...

I have always wondered that too. Our Chick gets playful, but only with a very small select few dogs. Most dogs he will happily hang out with, but not play.

Unknown said...

That is an excellent question. I use to would have blamed it on the rescues first life but now I have one that falls into Mr. B's catagory and I've had him since the moment he took his first breath. I rescued his Mother only to find out 10 days later that she was PG when 10 beautiful little Pittie puppies showed up! Surprised is the understatement. I digress! Rodney (that puppies name) is now going on 4 years old and he completely misses the concept of play. It just simply baffles him. So based on my experience with him, I would say that is truly a personality trait in some dogs. JMHO Mr. B face always make me a little sad, he is just so serious. It looks like he is always waiting for the other shoe to fall. I know that is just his look though as I know he has a wonderful life with parents and a sister who love him beyond words :)

Corbin said...

I definitely think it's both personality and socialization... love that video though! They really are the prefect pair!
-Corbin

Sarah said...

I've often wondered the same thing! Our Sadie was definitely under-socialized before we got her and rarely engages in toy play. She does enjoy a good wrestle with her sister and is starting to engage in mouthy play with our new puppy. I think it's a combination of not being played with as a small puppy and personality. Maggie is the more dominant dog and the toy hog. But Sadie engages in play bows and zoomies around the yard much more than Maggie, who thinks running and chasing is lame unless there's a ball involved. If I had to guess, I'd say it was about 1/2 puppy play and socialization and 1/2 personality.

Trissi_V said...

Amazingly our dogs don't play with toys...they think of anything plushy as cat toys, and don't touch them for fear that Saki (our 3 legged kitty) will smack them around.

I need to get Saki in a socialization class, that cat is MEAN...cute, but MEAN!

Kari in Alaska said...

It could be he does not like to play in the same way as Miss M. Baily loves to play with Mesa but she doesn't get Big Carls play style so she doesn't play with him

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Barbara said...

I've had my Trixie since she was 6 weeks old, and she's never liked to play much. Oh, throw the ball now and then, but for the most part, meh. Now that I have Minnie, it really shows. She acts just like Mr. B does, except occasionally she'll give me a good "out of my face" bark.

brooke said...

hahaha
that video was funny. Darwin's like Miss M. When she wants to play she'll pick up the toy and put it on you.

Anonymous said...

Love the video! Your pitties are beauties!

jet said...

I had a dog that didn't play and her reason was definitely lack of socialisation. Some dogs can be taught by humans how to play with toys, and some figure it out (Barbie had to learn because she never had toys to play with in the kennel).

Kate said...

I know there's a bigger purpose to this post, but I can't get past that second picture! That is the funniest thing. You guys must laugh all the time, they are such a riot, lol. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh Mr. B that was a big whack on the head with the toy Miss M gave you BOL!

Waggin at ya,
Roo

For the Love of Dog said...

I think it has a lot to do with the socialization. Keena doesn't really have a clue what toys are. She is getting better and can play with them by herself, but if I try to play with her she will drop it and just look at me. I think if they weren't exposed to them as a pup or young dog than its hit or miss if they will "take a liking" to them. Keena was only a little over 1.5 years and she's catching on a little bit...but sllloowwwwlllyy!!

Laura and Hans said...

I just love the divine Miss M! She is truly a diva and poor Mr B is simply hen pecked.
That's why they work so well together!

Patty said...

That is so funny! I love how Mr. B just stands there. What entertainment! Rusty is a toy hoarder too, he will play with the rope toy with other dogs, but with other toys he just hoards them, he doesn't try to play either.

Two French Bulldogs said...

They are best friends
Benny & Lily

bitt said...

Awww, he's a goofball. Sienna still loveed to play when we got her but she was pup even though she'd had babies. Ellie is not into playing other than chasing with squirrels but I am beginning to see signs of it. I keep hoping that some play will come to her. Some dogs are just different, some love balls and fetch and others love chase. IT's what makes the dog park so interesting.

Susan Campisi said...

Awww, Miss M is trying so hard. I laughed out loud when she clocked Mr. B on the head with that donut. Ha! Tommy's anti-social in another way. He loves to play with other dogs but he's so competitive and so much of a bully he scares them off. Better to be cool like Mr. B!

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