Heat, heat, go away

I've been trying to keep Newton busy inside.  His new tricks will soon be revealed once the temperature goes back down to the 80s!  The summer heat waves are terrible especially on Newton's paws.  He doesn't like to 'toilet' on the faux grass we got him and instead does his business on the landscape rock.  Who would've thought that the rocks are cooler to the touch than the grass.  Anyway, visits to the dog park and walks are done early evenings now.  I know he appreciates it.

Rolling and romping in the grass

We were at the park a couple weekends ago and I was finally able to catch Newton on camera rolling around in the grass. I believe he's trying to get an itch on his back but I also think he is rubbing himself to pick up smells from the grass. Whatever it is it sure is funny. At the same time he's snorting and grumbling, probably another sign - a sign of content. All is well when Newton is on grass. On a side note, Newton is wearing a lei. Yes, my dog got lei'd har har.

Smelly-grassy love

Newton has these strange little habits with smells and grass.  He "skritches" the grass behind him after he does his business scratching quite proudly and pompously. The first time I saw him doing this I laughed at him!  I really haven't researched what this behavior is but what I have deduced from this is it probably has something to do with the smell.  Maybe it's his way of spreading his scent around in his territory like a "Yeah, I ripped that one!"


The other habit is at the dog parks, or anywhere there is grass, he rubs himself on the grass - similar to what a cat does when rubbing and purring while brushing against your leg.  From what I've "researched" on the internet, it's an old ancestral wolf habit hiding their scent from their prey.  It looks like Newton enjoys it so much.  I want to stop him from this strange habit but it's a hilarious cutesy thing to watch.  The downside to this of course is he gets dirty, he stinks and grass gets stuck in his fur.  To each their own I suppose especially Newton!