Mornings with the Dog

back-up

I almost never need it, you know what I mean. It's like a back-up.

A 'back-up' is like a second plan if the first plan fails.  We also use this phrase to describe a replacement for something, like a back-up cell phone, meaning one that is not used, but we have it as a replacement.  Notice the following:

1. And if that doesn't work we have a back-up plan.
   
2. I think I have a back-up umbrella in my office.
   

get attention

You start to hear her wagging her tail or scratching, or trying to get attention.

If a person or animal is trying to get attention, it wants to be noticed. Notice the following:

1. The baby sometimes throws her food on the floor to get attention.
   
2. Children often cry or scream to get attention.
   

leash

In some countries or places you need a leash for your dog.

A 'leash' is a heavy rope used to keep a dog in one place or close to you when you are walking.  The leash attaches to a collar which goes around the dog's neck.  Notice the following:

1. Where is the leash?  I want to take the dog for a walk.
   
2. The police officer told me to keep the dog on a leash.
   

startle

I'm running behind the owner of the dogs, and so I might startle the owner, and startle the dogs.

If someone scares you by coming close to you when you don't see them, they 'startle' you.  Notice the following:

1. He really startled her when she walked into her office and he was sitting at her desk.
   
2. I didn't know you were here.  You startled me.
   

protective

The dogs might be protective and attack me.

'Protective' means to keep someone or something safe from harm or danger.  Notice the following:

1. Our dog is very protective, so she sometimes scares strangers.
   
2. Most parents are very protective of their children.

for their comfort

I do it for their comfort.

If you do something 'for someone's comfort,' you do it to help them feel more comfortable. Notice the following:

1. I turned on the heater for their comfort.
2. We bought soft chairs for our guests' comfort.

freaks me out

It always freaks me out when I see people with their dogs.

If something 'freaks you out,' it makes you feel scared or nervous. Notice the following:

1. Spiders really freak me out.
2. That strange noise freaked me out.

you kind of wonder

You kind of wonder, is this dog safe to go past?

You say 'you kind of wonder' when you are not sure about something. Notice the following:

1. You kind of wonder if it's true.
2. You kind of wonder what will happen next.

holler

Sometimes I'll holler in advance, "Hey, I'm coming. I'm coming."

To 'holler' means to shout loudly. Notice the following:

1. He hollered for help.
2. She hollered my name from across the street.

in advance

Sometimes I'll holler in advance, "Hey, I'm coming. I'm coming."

If you do something 'in advance,' you do it before it is needed. Notice the following:

1. Please call me in advance.
2. We bought the tickets in advance.