Senses

Sometimes I doubt that Elli can smell or see or hear like she's supposed to. It just seems she's a bit slow to react or notice things.

I'm thinking of this because last night on our walk Elli was busy sniffing a clover patch on the corner. Another puppy, one that she has met before, was approaching from down the street. She didn't even look up or appear to notice him. That is, until his nose was touching hers, which of course caused her to jump in the air startled. Luckily this is a puppy she is friendly with and within seconds was wagging her tail and saying hello.

After I stopped laughing at poor clueless Elli, I wondered how she couldn't sense the puppy approaching her. Sometimes when she's playing or another dog is coming toward her I say "Elli watchout!" This seems silly that she needs a warning.

The other thing that makes me doubt Elli's senses is a little game I play with her. I'll hide her treat, usually just under a piece of fabric, and usually she sees me hiding it. Then I tell her to find it. She sniffs around everywhere until I eventually have to reveal it to her.

Don't get me started on when Elli drops a treat, she'll never find those bits on her own.