How do you handle brats?

I've heard (and experienced) doggie adolescence. This is usually after you've already conquered the trials of puppyhood. Right when you start bragging to family and friends about how well behaved your dog is.

Well Thatdog has hit his "second adolescence" this week. I'm not sure what's going on but he's definitely behaving like an a-hole.

Let's start with Monday. Monday we went to dogpark and everything seemed fine. He sniffed all the regulars, did a bit of running, peed on some trees - the usual. One of his favorite roles is that of "greeter." He likes to be the first to get to the gate to greet all the new dogs coming in. I don't love this to begin with because sometimes the new dogs just want to get in before getting sniffed. Normally I make him wait to the side of the gate until everyone is in. BUT Monday I didn't get to the gate soon enough and sure enough, new dog wanted to stake his claim immediately. He growled at Thatdog, and Thatdog takes that as a personally affront and starts growling back. As soon as new dog is through the gate the two of them are on each other while new dog's owner and I are pulling them apart. Thatdog got put in time out with a stern warning to stay away from new dog. Which he was phenomenal about doing, while new dog went and growled at all the other dogs in the park. So yeah, my dog didn't start it, but I'd much prefer he not be the a-hole dog that continues it.

Tuesday on our morning run was strike 2. Lately we have been coming across another dog-runner. She and her dog seem very nice, but she's obviously faster than me (although really, these days everyone pretty much is.) Usually they pass us and keep going. Tuesday her dog really wanted to play with Thatdog. She passed us and took her dog off leash. He came running back to us. No big deal. I let the dogs say hello and we tried to get running back toward his owner. Which is when Thatdog snuck off his leash and took off with his new friend. Now granted, they only ran up ahead of us on the trail and then back, but I hate when my dog instigates a prison break. Running lady apologizes to me, I apologize to her, we hook up our dogs and continue on with our run.

The rest of the week someone was on his good boy behavior. No more prison breaks on the run, and a perfect gentleman at dogpark. Until today.

Thatdog has a very unusual habit. Habit might not be the right word, because it's not something he does on a regular basis. I'm sure you've all seen dogs assert their dominance by mounting another dog. Thatdog does this about once a year when he gets overexcited. Except, he's not very smart so he doesn't mount dogs from behind, he mounts them from the front. Yes friends, I am the owner of a head humper. Today he was running wild with a couple of puppies - a 7 month old rottie and an 8 month old pittie. And he was getting a little too excited. The next thing I know, he's got the Rottie in a love grip from the front. After 3 times I decided he was done for the day. We're going to sit him down tonight and give him a little talk about how girls don't like boys who sexually attack them.

I have no real transition between my trial of a dog and tonight's recipe. Other than to say it's a great way to woo. I wouldn't ever suggest starting off a date by grabbing your significant other and forcing your crotch into their face. This is a much better way to start off. And if you're lucky, you might get your way after dinner.

Red Wine Veal Chops
1 lb veal chops
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp oil
2 Tbsp onion, chopped
1 Tbsp parsley, chopped
2 Tbsp pancetta
1 clove garlic, cut in half
1/4 cup red wine

1. Melt the butter and oil in a skillet. Add the chops and brown lightly on both sides.
2. Add the onion, parsley, pancetta, and garlic. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.
3. Add the wine and 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook 10 minutes more.
4. Remove veal and boil down the pan juices to create a sauce. Pour the sauce over the chops and serve.