Silly Puppy

When we started obedience training this summer with Sadie, she was upset and confused because while the puppies worked hard, their only drink consisted of ice cubes. She would lick a couple, but she was totally un-impressed. After all, the boys had her drinking out of water bottles and I had taught her to eat chicken off a fork when she was sharing a Nelson's Port-A-Pit dinner with Mike and I one day. What is the deal with this hard cold water that does NOT quench a thirst. We were also told in obedience class that when dogs work or exercise hard, we are NOT to give water for at least an hour as it could cause their stomach to twist and then bad things happen (anyone seen Marly and Me?). We should just put some ice in her water bowl, if dogs like ice, she will eat it and get her liquids that way, if not, it will melt slowly and by the time she drinks it, it will be ok for her. This never impressed her either. But somewhere, somehow this has changed. Every now and then I would put an ice cube in her water bowl, usually if one fell on the floor while we were getting it out of the ice dispenser on the fridge- she tries to get it out, and it reminds us of kids bobbing for apples (just as much water mess on the floor too!). Now, whenever she hears the ice dispenser, she is at my side, waiting for hers. I will now put the ice in my cup, and take one out to give her before the water goes in. She takes it off to chew happily (usually on my living room area rug). Yesterday I was making iced tea for the boys, filling the pitcher with ice. Apparently that was taking too long, because she started nosing the bottom of the pitcher, as if to tell me to hurry up with her cube. One lady at obedience told me that her dog likes ice so much, he helps himself at the fridge dispenser. Hope she never figures out how to use that!