I don’t know whether it’s the change in the weather (a bit warmer), the light (a bit sunnier), his age (almost 16 months now), or what – but Torque, my wonderful, sweet, easy-going boy is turning into a bit of a whirling dervish with an attitude.

Yesterday our friend Alisha and her French Bulldog Moe came for a play date. Moe was good, mellow, and entirely appropriate. Torque went lunging to bite his ears. (He’s an ear-biter from way back, thought we had it under control.) Moe objected – rightfully so. They reached a truce, but never really played.

On Saturday mornings here at the shop there are a couple of obedience classes. If there’s time at the end of class, the instructor usually lets the dogs play, and invites Torque to join in. I was a bit reluctant, based on yesterday’s experience, but since the other two dogs involved are sweet, pit-bull-mix sisters, I thought they’d be safe from “Torque the Terrible.”

Fortunately, they were! The three of them had a grand time chasing each other around and playing. And Torque responded immediately when I called him to me (recall practice!). Then, when the pibbles and their people were leaving, they told me Torque is the only dog to date to stand up to their style of play. A bit much for most other dogs.

No surprise – Torque is, too.