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An older man in glasses holds seed by a wooden bird feeder full of sparrows while a white Poodle sits quietly beside him. 15 / 33

The Sparrows Were Right There at the Feeder. Pearl Had to Make a Choice.

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Dusk has crept into the backyard, and a lamp on the fence casts a warm glow over a rustic wooden bird feeder on a post. A handful of sparrows perch on its edges, pecking at seeds. Earl sits on a low stool in his plaid shirt and overalls, peering down through his glasses at the seed in his hand. Pearl sits beside him on the leaf-strewn ground, perfectly still, her gaze fixed somewhere off to the side as though she knows that any sudden move would send the little birds scattering.

Teaching a dog to stay calm around birds takes patience and practice. Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers, and many still have a strong interest in birds, so a dog who sits quietly near a feeder deserves praise. Rewarding calm behavior with a treat or soft praise is the best way to build the habit. Bird feeders can come with a few hidden concerns for dogs. Spilled seed attracts rodents, and moldy seed on the ground can make a dog sick if eaten, so raking up old seed regularly helps. Some suet and seed mixes also contain ingredients that are not meant for dogs, so it is wise to store bird food securely and out of reach.

Pearl may be the most well-mannered bird watcher on the block. The sparrows get their supper, Earl gets a quiet moment, and Pearl gets to be the best girl in the yard.

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A bearded older man knits with wooden needles while a white Poodle lies beside him wrapped in loops of gray yarn.Earl Was Knitting Peacefully. Then He Looked Down and Found Pearl.An older man sorts black-and-white photographs spread on a kitchen table as a white Poodle sniffs at the pictures.Earl Spread His Old Black-and-White Photos on the Table. Pearl Stopped at One.An older man in overalls sleeps on a cushioned porch swing with his arm around a white Poodle asleep on his lap.The Porch Swing Slowed Down, and Neither of Them NoticedAn older man wearing headphones sits on a couch by a record player while a white Poodle rests its paws on his lap.Earl Put On His Headphones and an Old Record. Pearl Wasn't About to Be Left Out.