I made two new human friends this weekend. Well, I tried to.

We had visitors on Friday night, who stayed over. My humans warned me that they weren’t used to dogs, so I had better be on my best behaviour! I was a bit worried as that sounded rather boring, but it turned out Ok.

One of the humans (the older one who was the mother of the other one, although they looked more like sisters!) soon got to know me and liked me, and I got some nice cuddles. The other, younger human, was much more wary of me and didn’t want to be near me. I think she was more used to smaller boring animals, like cats, rabbits and guineapigs, which they have at home. (not that all cats are boring. Monty and Henry are my friends and good enough to be honorary dogs.)

Anyway I did my best with this young teenage human trying to get to know her and lick her face, jump at her in a friendly welcoming way, etc, but in the end it was easier to leave her alone. So that meant I got shut in the kitchen most of the evening while they are. BORING. And rather demeaning – like I was a troublesome puppy again! I am used to being able to go where I want to in my house, and be in the same room as my humans, if I choose to that is. Mind you, there were some nice smells in the kitchen as Tim had been cooking a tasty dinner. I got into the living room for a little while after dinner while Hilary and the younger guest washed up, but then it was kitchen time again for me. Most unfair.

Then overnight, worse was to come. I was banished from my usual freedom of the house and usual choice of sleeping station on the upstairs landing, and was shut in the living room on my own! The humans were worried I might get into one of bedrooms upstairs or scare the guests in the night! At least I had my sofa so I was comfy and the embers of the coal fire kept the room snug.

In the morning me female human took me for a walk while the visiting humans had breakfast, and then we were in separate rooms again before they departed. Honestly how boring, how are humans going to get to know us dogs if we are kept apart? I have read that all dogs should be “socialised” at an early age so they are used to different people, animals and experiences. Think that should be a rule for humans too. All children should be socialised with dogs and then when they get older they will enjoy spending time with us! Maybe schools could teach Canine Studies as a subject? I could teach that!