Why I named my dog Dyno

I've been rock climbing for several years now, and it's a passion of mine. I named my dog Dyno because I think it's cool to give him a name that is related to my passion, and it's also a simple word that could mean several things.

In rock climbing, Dyno is a dynamic movement that requires pushing off, flying through the air to reach the next hold that is far from where you originally started.

Dynos require power, precision, control, incredible core strength...and some faith. The biggest challenge is holding on after you've made contact. While a climber may get to the next hold, the extra momentum created by the climber's mass moving in another direction means they need to grip with even greater strength. 

It's my personal weakness because I'm afraid to hit the wall. 

And if you miss the hold? You fall.

Dyno goes on a road trip

I took Dyno on a 4-day road trip, just me and him. We went to my favorite places in Quebec; Côte-Nord, Fjord-du-Saguenay and Mauricie. I love the Côte-Nord and its ocean breeze, Fjord-du Saguenay for the mountains, cliffs and sea, and Mauricie for the smell of pine trees.

Our first stop was at parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudiere. I've been to Quebec so many times but never knew about this place. It's much nicer than the bigger falls in the area and you can walk at the bottom as well.

There was a long suspension bridge 23 meters above the river and Dyno crossed it like a pro, did not show much sign of vertigo.

After Quebec, we made a stop in Baie-Saint-Paul where Dyno got to walk on the beach for the first time. At the beach, there were dogs barking at people walking by, dogs peeing on their master...and I look at Dyno and I'm like...what a good boy! I'm so lucky! We spent the night in Malbaie at Chutes Fraser.

Baie-des-rochers is one of the most beautiful places I've discovered on this trip; it's so grand and quiet. This picture does not do it justice. We did not do any hiking but we definitely will next time when Dyno is older.

The traversier to Tadoussac is one of the things I'm most excited about when I go to the North. We walked around Tadoussac and went to the beach.

Our second campsite was on Baie Saine-Catherine with a view of the river. He got to see horses, and co-share spaces with other people and dogs. That helps a lot with socialization and training.

 On the third day, we explored areas along the fjord, it reminds a little bit of Iceland.

This is Dyno about to be blown away with the wind as I try to take a picture of him on the dock of Petit-Saguenay. The Marina at L'anse Saint-Jean is very charming as well.

Our last campsite was my favorite as we had a spot right by the river, and it's pretty relaxing to sleep to the sound of it.

Our last night chilling by the fire.

Dyno was really good in the car, did not complain much about the long drives. I can't wait until Dyno is older so we can do more activities. On this trip, I worried walking him too much, so I carried him some of the times. Travelling alone with a dog has its challenges, such as finding toilets, finding places to eat, but it's all worth it! He is the only one I have patience and want to make effort for right now.

Dyno goes to Maison Lavande

The lavenders are in full bloom, so I took Dyno to Maison Lavande.

There were kids trying to pet Dyno without asking, and I'm not shy to tell them no, even though that may seem mean. I don't really like entitled kids who have not been taught politeness. Dyno is a friendly dog but I think people should show some respect, because it's my dog after all, and yes he is cute but it's not for everyone's entertainment. You won't go touch other people's kids in their face without asking, so why other people's dog?

Other than entitled kids and the hot weather, Dyno had a great time. It smelled nice, there was a live band, and we had a lavender coffee and ice cream. He also got to see chickens for the first time.

Dyno's many first times

I used to think that I'm so busy that I would never have time to take care of a dog, but ever since having Dyno in my life, my priorities just completely changed. You'd think I'm missing out on things because there is so much I can't do and so many places I can't go with my dog, but on the contrary, I would go great distances to have it done with my dog and if I cannot then fuck it, I'm not going either.

All he ever wants to do is playing, eating, and being with people he loves, and that is enough for him. Even though his life is much shorter and he doesn't even know it, his life is full. People say I will be terribly sad when he dies, but my family will die too, I will be sad, but I will still love them with all I have now. People often contemplate the famous question, what is the meaning of life. The meaning of life is not that complicated, and I can see it now... the meaning of life is simply living. Dogs are just so pure.

Dyno is funny...there are things that he was so scared of doing and little by little, he tests the limits. He used to be scared of getting close to the windows or going down the garden. He would not walk when I took him to the shopping center...and I would pretend to leave him behind to see if he would follow me just like my parents did to me when I was younger. Sometimes I forget how he doesn't have much life experience at all, and this is his first summer on earth. How crazy!

This is the first day I brought him home and that's when I took him to my parent's house. He was shaking and didn't know where to go, so he hid under the chair. He was so round and cute!

Little by little, he got out of his shell and discovered the joy of stealing and chewing shoes...

This is the first time I brought him to a coffee shop. He was still in his stage where he slept a lot and was not too fond of going places. Wolves in nature are very scared around 10 weeks of age because they need to go off on their own. Dogs also feel that fear around that age.

This is one of the first times I took him to work with me at one of my client's office. He slept most of the time which is awesome. Now, he is more comfortable and goes to greet everyone when he gets to the office.

This is the first time I took him to a restaurant as I wanted him to see many people and get used to crowd and noises. He mostly slept the whole way...obviously.

Dyno meeting my grand mother for the first time. I used to have people over or go to friends and family's house so he gets used to it. My grandmother loves him, and he impressed her by peeing on his pipi pad.

Dyno meeting another dog, other than his littermates, for the first time. The dog ran after him and he was so scared that he went to see another human for help. After a couple of hours, he was so curious that he went to see the other dog, but every time the other dog gets closer, he would run away again.

This is me taking him to another restaurant for brunch. If you are wondering if you can take dogs to restaurant...you can 80% of the time if you ask nicely and if he is discreet like Dyno (small and silent).

I took a latte art class, and took him with me. I've asked permission before taking him of course, and I swore he will be so quiet that he is almost invisible, and they said yes. Everyone was shocked at how calm and obedient he was.

Finally one of the first time he played in the snow on a warmer winter day, and he enjoyed it. I should get him some boots for next winter though.

This is one of the first time that Dyno walked on a leash without putting on the brakes. I was like...finally, my dog is walking outside! I remember we walked pass a huge truck making a lot of noises, and he was comfortable around it which is good.

This is the first time I brought him to a doggy cafe, where he got to meet other dogs. There was one other puppy that was really pushy towards Dyno, and it's the first time I see him growling with his teeth out and I was shocked because he was always so sweet and innocent, haha.

This is his first time in the woods, this is just near my house, it was before his 4 months and I wanted to make sure he is okay with being in the woods.

 This is the first time I took him on a boat, and he saw a fish for the first time.

 This is Dyno's first time on a terrasse, on the first warmer days of this year. He enjoys watching people walking by.

This is Dyno's first time camping...finally a weekend when he could poop and pee everywhere.

Dyno's first time at a dog park. He was playful and running around, most dogs don't want to play with him though, as his puppy energy was just too much. He was running while making huge jumps, it was funny to watch.

Dyno's first time hiking. I carried him in a bag as he was still young. I can't wait until he is fully grown to take him on a real hike.

This is him wearing my cousin's underwear after his neutering surgery. He doesn't like it but I think it's a better alternative than the cone.

This is when I took him on a bike ride for the first time. He really enjoyed the wind in his face and seeing all the scenery.

People always say to take many pictures because puppies grow so fast, and I feel like I didn't take enough pictures of him...even if you look at my phone, you will only see pictures of him. It's just never enough. 

Summer is almost over and I want to bring him to a new place every week at least once. I must admit I've been a bit lazy as I'm afraid to over-exercise him and injure his growth plates, so I don't really want to drive far. Also puppies can't practice endurance, but rather exercise is small burst of activities, but I will make an effort. You always have to be creative when you are a dog-parent. It would give me an excuse to take some time to myself. That was the whole point of getting a dog, and he is small enough to make it logistically convenient, but robust enough to do fun things :)

First few months with Dyno

Time flies, it's already been three months with Dyno.

So how I chose him was easy, I wanted a male and there were three males in the litter, and I had the second choice as my deposit came in second. Actually, I was fourth on the list so I was not even supposed to get one from that litter, but two persons backed out. Two males had a white marking on their neck and 1 did not. I thought a poodle with only one colour was much cuter, so I already knew I wanted him. I was so sure that the first person would pick him, but it turned out that they really wanted a dog with the white marking on the neck. I did not play with the other puppies, did not wait to see which one will choose me, did not spend time analyzing their personalities...not so important to me as puppies will become who you shape them to be.

When I went to pick him up at the breeder's, he started shaking as soon as I held him. Then the breeder fed him his pill to prevent nausea due to change of environment, and that sneaky boy hid the pill between the cracks of his mouth. When I put him in the carrier, he was looking outside wondering what the hell is was doing in the car. He was super tiny and surprisingly quiet. I felt so bad for him because he must felt so lost.

Luckily, he did not pee in the car on the way home. I trained him to pee on a pad at home which took 3 days. I say 3 days, but there are obviously accidents after those 3 days, but very seldomly. If a puppy does not have accidents, it doesn't mean he is potty trained, it only means that you as a dog owner is very well-trained. Puppies have not developed control of their bladder, so to say they are potty trained before that is a big lie. If I had a choice, I would bring him outside, but it was in the middle of winter, and I live on the 6th floor of a condo. Trust me, puppies pee and poop ALOT. I would need to put on my winter gear too often, and I really don't feel like going outside in the middle of the night. Obviously, now that it's warmer, I started taking him out and taught him to use a bell to let me know he had to go. He learned very quickly.

I have not heard him bark until a couple of days after I got him, which I then taught him the "speak" and "silent" command. I did not only want to teach him to be silent as it's natural for dogs to bark... but there is nothing more unforgivable than dogs that bark at everything. There is no doubt that poodles are one of the smartest dogs, which is also why I hate the hype over doodle dogs, as it's just mixing them with dumber breeds. Also, a mutt is not necessarily healthier which is one of the biggest misconception. If you choose a good breeder, a pure breed is actually healthier and their temperament is predictable. You will only get the best of the best if you choose well.

I also crate trained him, which took longer as he has isolation anxiety. He would bark furiously and cry when he is in there. Sometimes, he would not stop for hours. I would say it took a good 3 weeks before I started putting in effort to train him to like his crate. I can't say he loves being in there, but I know he feels safe and he knows that his corner. Sometimes, it was so hard that I really want to just grab him and have him sleep on my bed, but I resisted. If you want a well-trained puppy, you got to learn tough love first. The reason I crate trained him is because I think he would sleep better, and I would sleep better, and it would train him to hold his bladder, develop some independence which is so important for dogs.

The fact that I can bring him everywhere really helped him with socialization. I bring him to eat with me in restaurants as he stays quiet in the carrier under the table, and most people don't know or don't mind his presence. He has been to many places, met many people, met many dogs and stays calm in all situations. I really put a lot of effort socializing him and did so before he was fully vaccinated and wanted him to be friendly...but now, he is too friendly. I didn't know that before but by the time a puppy is fully vaccinated, he will be 4 months old, which is already past their optimal socialization period. There are greater risk for a dog to be abandoned due to lack of socialization than contaminating parvovirus.

Now, I got to start training him to be alone, which will be hard as I'm with him all the time..but I will put some effort into that in the next few weeks. Just thinking about how he would not stop crying and scratching at the shower door when I would go in during the first couple of weeks and now he doesn't even care, I'm sure it is possible for him to learn to be alone...

The first week, I was constantly supervising him and I was so tired and sleepy, but after the first week, it was much better. Now, it's already been 3 months that he keeps me busy with his potty breaks, and all the love and fun. He also has grown 3 times bigger.

Obviously the first year in owning a dog is the hardest. Dogs don't develop their personality until they are a 1 to 2 years old. There are 1 in every 4 dogs that are re-homed before they are 1 year old in Quebec, because the adolescence phase is the hardest. He will want to test all your limits. If you can go through the first year, he will be your best friend, but for now, he is still a baby that needs to be taken care of. My Dyno isn't that bad, he stopped eating my plants but he still steals my socks and shorts. That face he makes when he knows he did something bad is way too funny.

I also thought that I would get a hiking partner but puppies can't even exercise for more than 5 minutes per month of age until they are 1 year old because their bones are growing so fast so it's fragile. If you are expecting a puppy to be your partner to do all the fun activities, it will not happen. He might want to keep up with you to please you, but you will pay the price later. I can tell you that most people don't even know that. One person really needs to be dedicated because you have to educate yourself before you educate your dog.

Before Dyno, I had no attachment for dogs, and I'm still mostly indifferent about most dogs. I got him at a very busy time in my life and I thought I would never have time for a dog, but priorities change and I make time for him. When I'm not with him, I'm like...thank god I'm free! But I always start missing him after a few hours. I used to date that guy that had a dog that I hated so much, he would grunt at me when I'm eating and all. If my dog did this, I would put him in time-out. What I hate most are dogs that are not well-behaved, so my dog can only be the best.

So, I don't think he will pay me back for that trip, even though he said he would shortly after we broke up. I told him it's his problem, it's him who has to look in the mirror and see what a low class loser he is. As for me, I got everything I want in my life and could not care less for 2K$, but I'd rather spend 2K$ on my dog than on him, so yes, I'm pissed.

I told him I'm glad his father died because he would not be proud of him. Some men say they want ambitious women, but not as ambitious as themselves, which they obviously will not admit. The only reason he feels the need to bring me down all the time is because I'm more successful than him in all aspects in life.

Even when we were traveling, we argued a lot. He kept complaining about how I never discussed budget with him and that everything is too expensive. I have not discussed budget with him because I don't have one, and I assumed that if he accepted to come with me that he's mature enough to know whether he can afford it. Also, quite honestly, we have not spent on anything extravagant, other than the car, which I offered to pay most of it. If he had no money, he could drink less alcohol, but why would you complain if you got no self-discipline. Such a loser.

He has a lot of debts, and he does not have his shits together. I once wanted to make an effort to make things work between us, and I asked him how much he would pay me to live with me...He said 400$, hydro and internet included. I was like...wtf, I'm not expecting him to pay half of my mortgage, since it's my mortgage, but at least be reasonable. Hydro depends on usage so it's pretty ridiculous to not pay that if he lives here. To give you an idea, to rent a unit in my building would cost no less than 2K$, nothing included, but I don't even want him to pay me half of that...just something reasonable, y'know.

Not to mention that when he comes here, he does not give a fuck about anything just because it's my place, not his. He leaves his garbage everywhere, double-dips with his fork in everything, everything is dirty when he leaves. I already got to pick up after my dog, I don't need to pick up after him.

Then I asked him, what if I want to travel, will I be able to travel alone since you got no money? He said no and started getting angry. That's just what happens...moving in is easy, asking him to move out later will be harder. It also gives him an excuse to be lazy, and rely on me. He could easily say he hates his job so he quits, it's okay... it's Elaine's place anyway, she will pay. I understand that sometimes in a relationship, it's not always half-half, and things are not always fair. When one is not doing so well, then you help them...but still, this is different.

Also, I'm just reminded of something that proves my point. One week before we left for the trip, he wanted to stay in Montreal on Monday so he called his boss to ask for a day off. His boss refused, and he quit on the spot. Now that I think about it, he said he will pay me back after the trip and if he already knew he could not, then why the heck did he quit his job? He was probably already thinking of getting a free ride.

I hope he dies.

I've never been afraid to say the truth, but with him, I started wanting to lie...to avoid problems and conflicts. He would always insist that I'm lying even if I'm not. Every little detail made him think that I'm seeing someone else.

He told me he discovered his ex cheated on him because he saw a text from a guy when she was sleeping. I once received a text while I was sleeping, it was a friend who sent me a link to a video at 2am. This friend works in a restaurant so he sleeps late. He woke me up and forced me to open my phone to show him. What kind of person texts another at 2am? Why don't you answer? he asked. I started avoiding to look at my cellphone in his presence. Even if he is not in the same room, I avoid looking at my phone or if I have to, I'll do it quickly...even if all I wanted was to read an article at night.

I even avoid spending time with my male friends because he thinks friendship between male and female is impossible. I have male friends that I care about a lot, and who I enjoy talking with and do activities together, but just have no interest romantically. I think it's totally healthy.

I keep wondering...is it me? is it him? how much can I really endure? Instead of growing, I'm shrinking in this relationship.

Why is there so much dust in front on your front door? Did you bring someone from the climbing gym over? Why are your plants so dry? Looks like you were busy doing something else instead of taking care of your plants. Why is there a measuring tape on the counter, did you have another guy work on your furniture? Why is there a bottle of red wine in the fridge, did someone come over? Why are there so many dishes on your dish rack? Are you alone to eat with 4 plates? Where is your other cellphone that never has battery? Turn it on and show me what's in there. You just received a text, why don't you read it? Oh it's Michel texting you. Who is Michel? He yells at me saying I'm a manipulator and take advantage of others, he says he hopes I get raped in the metro, and I deserve to die.

It's ridiculous. There is dust at my front door because I walked outside and there is construction in my garage. My plants are dry because I'm busy with work, I spend time with him and I have to take care of my puppy. There is a measuring tape, because I want to buy a dining table. There is a bottle of wine because a friend came over which I've told him about...and I knew I should have thrown it away because I knew he would think that, but even for me to think that is a problem right there. There are 4 plates because I don't wash my plates right away, I let them accumulate in the sink. My other cellphone has no battery because I don't use it. Michel is the boyfriend of my friend and we planned on taking a latte art class all 3 of us together. I take advantage of others, but he still owes me almost 3K for the trip...but nah, none of what I say is true. I'm a liar.

One day, my dog was happy to see him, but he kicked him away. He says I protect my dog too much, but when he is angry, he yells at my dog or kicks his carrier, which makes me even more protective of my dog. I mean, my puppy is so innocent and doesn't even know what the heck he is yelling about. He knows my dog is afraid of height and he intentionally put my dog on the window sill to scare him. 

During our trip together, people thought we were so happy together. Who could have guessed that we argued every couple of days. We argued so much that the police came to our hotel room one night. I was miserable.

There is always a lot of yelling, and I'm a generally calm person...I just couldn't take it anymore. It's driving me insane. I hate emotional ups and downs, it scares me a lot...because it reminds me of my relationships when I was younger. But to him, that is passion. I tell him it's not, it just means he is not emotionally mature. He always tells me I don't know how to be in a relationship, well maybe I don't, but I don't deserve all those insults. It's true I'm generally more independent, which is normal for someone who hasn't jumped from relationships to relationships. I enjoy some time spent alone, time spent with friends, and just doing things I like...but I always take time to talk to him everyday.

I once told him that one day, when he meets someone as insecure as him, he will think it's crazy love, but in reality, it will be one unhealthy and codependent relationship. Sometimes I appreciate him a lot. I never met a guy who made so much effort for me. Even though I'd rather be alone during that trip, I still miss the times we had. Other than his jealousy, insecurity and lack of trust, he is a great person. I miss him and I'm terribly sad, as crazy as it sounds. But I know it's for the best.