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An elderly man holds birdseed near a wooden feeder full of sparrows while a black pug sits very still in front of him. 23 / 36

The Sparrows Landed at the Feeder. Mochi Didn't Move a Single Muscle.

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Not a single muscle twitches on Mochi. The black pug sits rock still in the grass, wrinkled brow furrowed, eyes turned sideways as if he knows the birds behind him will scatter at the slightest move. Grandpa crouches nearby in a tan cardigan and plaid shirt, cupping a handful of seed and letting a few grains trickle toward the ground. On the wooden feeder above, a small flock of sparrows pecks at the tray, completely unbothered. The backyard is cool and a little shaggy, with a weathered fence, some potted plants, and dry leaves scattered across the lawn.

Bird feeding is a wonderful backyard hobby, and it can coexist with a dog if you plan ahead. Birdseed that spills on the ground can attract rodents and may grow mold if it gets wet, and moldy seed isn't safe for dogs or birds, so it helps to sweep up the extra regularly. Placing feeders where the dog can't easily lunge also gives birds a safer escape route. Some dogs have strong prey drive, while others, like many pugs, are more content to watch. Rewarding calm behavior around birds, as Mochi seems to have learned, is a great habit to build early with treats and patience.

Mochi's restraint deserves a medal. The sparrows get their breakfast, Grandpa gets his peaceful moment, and somewhere in that wrinkled head, a pug is quietly very proud of himself.

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