Canine Training Helpers Past and Present

(From left to right) Ursa, Robert, Leon

The dog that has helped out the most years, has been Leon. He was purchased from a breeder for his position as demo dog and competition dog. His ACL tears in his knees have knocked out competition for him, but Leon has been my demo dog since puppy hood. In Worcester Mass, he used to travel from lesson to lesson, when we used to need to be on the road all the time. Hence my car is where he instantly sleeps and relaxes. It was kind of like his puppy crate when he was young, bringing him from one adventure to the next. The very first aggressive dog Leon helped with was Ursa, a Great Pyrenees in Paxton Mass, who was going to be euthanized. Because the previous trainer could not get through to her through food alone and was also the animal control officer in the area (no bite history by the way, so I hesitate to call Ursa a truly aggressive dog), it was recommended that Ursa be put to sleep.

Ruby and Leon

Boomer and Leon

Leon can charm the birds out of the trees, and later on when Ursa came to board here in ME, they were very good friends. Ursa was trained in 2003 or 2004, and we moved here in 2005. Our customers with dogs of unusual temperaments would bring their dogs here to board, even though we had moved so far away. Since then, Ursa has moved with her family to PA, and is an old lady enjoying her golden years with her family. Ursa was also my first "aggressive" dog client outside of the shelter system.

Leon has since helped with many aggressive dogs since. He gives me the cues on when and if he is ready to meet them. Leon's instincts are very reliable, as well as his training for these situations. Leon's last client with a small bite history to other dog's ears, is Zoey a young German Shepherd girl. Just last week, Leon finally allowed her a sniff since she is no longer a lunging maniac at the end of the leash.

Leon and Devon

Leon's strengths are his playfulness and friendliness. However, that does not mean that he can't be aloof and directional to a new dog. Once the relationship rules have started, that is when Leon loosens up and allows the play and games to continue. Until then, he expects good behavior and is a model for the dog that is participating with us in training.



Leon and Cerber

 Leon has spent his whole life not only as our beloved family pet, but as my business partner.  It was a luxury to be able to begin from puppy hood with him, instead of after his adulthood or adolescence had begun.

I am also able to demonstrate with Leon, and have experience in, working with dogs that have a physical problem of some sort.   My time at Doberman Rescue was also spent time working with dogs with all sorts of physical problems, which gave me some insight of how to train Leon.   I have Leon do an auto stand while heeling instead of an auto sit.   It's too bad that I can't find a venue that would allow me to compete with him having this modification to a command.  However, Leon and I enjoy training together anyway, and he is an excellent example of what can be done with one's dog.

Jazz and I

Next in years of service came Jazz.   Jazz was actually here way before Leon.   Leon came to us when Jazz was 11, and we were not operating training or a daycare service out of our tiny Worcester Mass home.   Through most of Jazz's life, I knew very little about training.   Jazz came to us well mannered and trained at 3 years old from a breeder, who did not want to breed her anymore.

Since Jazzabelle did have the manners of a lady and a fair disciplinarian, she has been good role model to many other dogs that have come here unbalanced.   Up until the day before she died, she was also a beloved resource in daycare that enjoyed playing with the other dogs.   When Jackie CD came to live with us, it was Jazz who regularly stayed on top of him, and made sure he did not overstep his boundaries.  Jackie CD respected and loved Jazz, as did Leon.  Often our female canine clients would follow her around and cuddle with her.  

Jazz was a calming, peaceful influence on all dogs.   I can't think of a single canine that did not adore and respect Jazz.  Jazz left us in her sleep on the morning of 12/31/2008.  She played with daycare the morning before, and was 16 at that time.

Wackie Jackie CD with his mail Packie

Wackie Jackie CD came to us three months after we moved to Maine.   He was meant to be a foster dog to fill in the time while I was getting my business up and running here.   He had kennelling issues at Doberman Rescue.   This usually means that a dog is so unhappy in a situation, they are in danger of not doing well or showing well to an adopter.

Jackie CD was filled with too much energy.   He already had three surgeries to take out foreign objects in his stomach (before we adopted him).   He possessed zero manners.   He peed everywhere for any reason (excitement, submission, just cause he had to).   It was readily apparent when he first came here that he was also loyal, loving, and smart as a whip.  So in six months, as my birthday present, Jackie CD became our dog.

Jackie CD was part of daycare in certain configurations.   He did not love all dogs.   In fact, it became quite apparent that there were some dogs that he could not stand for very long.   Jackie CD became my demo dog and competition dog.   He was a very good example of what could be done with a behaviorally challenged, potentially dog aggressive dog.   Jackie CD gave many customers hope for their own dogs, and was beloved by many people.

Jackie CD succumbed to an internal intestinal or stomach problem on 12/24/2009.   For all the issues that Jackie came with, he was well worth the trouble.  We miss our handsome exuberant big guy.

Big Guy Neptune and Me

Neptune died many years ago at age 9 (I believe in 2003 12/21).   He was purchased from Doberman Rescue about one year after we got Jazzabelle.   Neptune acted very dog aggressive when we first adopted him.   Although he never helped out in the training business, he is the dog that got me interested in training and how it can help modify behavior.   Neppy had a great life filled with adventures and vacations with us due to the training that we learned about.   He succumbed to his heart condition at age 9, but I know he loved his life and his family (and the dog friends he was able to make).   Had I not worked with him, I don't know that I have become convinced that life changes could have been made for so many families with their dogs.




B is for Boris



Our newest team member is Boris.   Although he is still a largely untrained puppy of 8 months (on June 4th), he has been a help with many of our newest clients posing as the tempting distraction.  Also he and Leon can play yet stay away from a training dog to be a distraction.   Recently, they helped me with a client and her German Shepherd female puppy, Zoey, to become more comfortable with off leash control of their dog on Short Sands beach.

Like our Leon, he has a physical disability with only three legs.   This also helps me to relate and develop ways to train other mobility challenged dogs and their owners.  I did find that we actually can NOT compete in the AKC, as they consider an amputee to be lame (Boris = Lame NOT!!)   So Boris will need to compete in the UKC instead.

Many of my clients' dogs become helpers due to their continued boarding and daycare with me as well.   Both the well balanced and formerly unbalanced dogs greet newcomers with compassion and understanding.   The dogs here learn to tolerate other canines that have learned to socialize and communicate in unfamiliar (or very familiar) ways.  

Bridget CD

Brujo

Roxy and Harley

Logan and Hannah

Gigi

Katie and Hannah Again

Manny or Minnie Man

Magoo CD

So they say it takes a village to raise a child.   Apparently canines also benefit from a pack or a team that are ready and willing to help.   Thank you to all my canine helpers.   My dogs past and present are the loves of my life, and also have each brought very special gifts to the mix!

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Fall and Halloween Events for Humans and Canines

The following events are not geared purely towards canines.   Dogs that are prepared, trained or training, and well mannered are welcomed at many family events (by most people, and our furry family companions benefit mentally and physically by spending this time with us.   If you compete with your pet dogs, these kinds of events get your dogs read for busy and different atmospheres. As far as competitive dog obedience events in this area, there are practically none until March 4, 2011 Collie Club event after this weekend's Amherst New Hampshire's trials on October 23rd and October 24th.   If you have never seen dog's participating in obedience, these are great shows to check out this weekend. Now is a great, yet cold and chilly time, to begin preparing for March 2011 trail season to begin in the area.   Whether you are training or proofing your training, public festivals and shows will greatly enhance the team's skills.   Just think of the things canines need to get used to in the ring from electric wheelchair beeping, chairs moving, people making noises, to unplanned for weather noises.   When you combine this with the more static (many of the same people and dogs there each session) group classes and obedience run thrus, then you have a powerful way to round out the team's participation.   These are the types of things that continue to improve the confidence and socialization of pet dogs as well.   Too many people assume their dogs are going to enjoy vacations or activities, when they were never exposed to these previously.  Instead this can become a scary time for pet dogs unless they have been prepared for their lifetime of adventures with their human companions.  Here are some events that trained, in training, or well-behaved dogs can tag along to: October 22nd to October 24th 2010 Ogunquitfest (you need to scroll down to the end and click "read more" for the full schedule) launches. Haunted House (probably not for canines), corn maze, bed race to the beach, cookie decorating, pumpkin decorating, parade on Sunday (specifically invites canines to attend with their owners of course) and a goods bazaar are just some of the activities that are available for viewing and participation.   If family members can rotate to watch the dogs, the Haunted House can probably be braved. October 23rd 2010 will find classic auto shows in both Ogunquit (you need to scroll down to the end and click "read more" for the full schedule) 10 am to 2 pm and York Maine from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. October 23rd 2010 (October 30th rain date) Bucksport Maine becomes Ghostport Maine. Coffin race to the grave, pumpkin launches, and a chili cook off are just some events scheduled for the day. Mannerly Mutts and gang will be attending Ogunquitfest and the auto shows this year.   Pictures and blog to follow of these events will follow this weekend.   Leon and Boris have also been attendees of the flea market, art in the park, Harvestfest, Marketfest, other craft shows, and the auto show this summer.   In order to socialize both our own dogs and our canine clients, training is also done in Kittery, Portsmouth, and York locations in public.   Recently, Marginal Way in Ogunquit also opened up to well behaved and trained canine companions. Prepare dogs well so that they can join the family on as many adventures as possible.   After all, that is the greatest joy of having a dog in the first place.   MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE DOG TRAINING MANNERLY MUTTS MAINE DOG TRAINING BLOG E-MAIL MANNERLY MUTTS MAINE DOG TRAINER

Harvestfest and Marketfest 2010 York Maine

Robert says hello to cart horses. Hope you did not miss out on York Maine's Harvestfest and Marketplace events, which ran from October 12th to October 16th.  Go to Harvestfest for more information, if you missed it this year and want to go next year.    One event was in the Short Sands area, and did not allow dogs.   We did see some dogs that were there, and have the photos to prove it LOL.  We, however, did not bring our dogs to this event, as we do try and obey the rules.   I usually boycott outdoor events that do not allow dogs, but York Maine has had many events this year that did allow dogs, which had not in the past.   So I did not take it out on the one event that did not allow dogs.  Dobermans are harder to sneak in:)    Marketfest was in the Village of York Maine.   This event did allow dogs (in the past they had signs out too).   We were going to bring our dogs the next day, but they had staggered their days so that only one overlapped with Harvestfest, and the other one that we missed was the day before.   However, we did find vendors in the parking lot (towards Short Sands) of York Animal farm, and got to walk Leon and Boris through there.  Marketfest's food vendors were giving out an impressive amount of food samples.   Both the lobster bisque and kettle corn that were being distributed were very good.   I saw my favorite jewelers that I always look for, and fell in love with a necklace that I cannot afford at this time, but want desperately. Loved these purses and pocketbooks at Marketfest. These frogs were pretty adorable as well. People were able to enjoy this event with their dogs. On day two, Harvestfest was still going on, but we instead walked our dogs through the shops around Short Sands.   Boris saw his first horse there, and I only wish I had taken my camera out to get the expression on his face.  Boris was like "Jeez look at the size of that dog!!"  Leon and Boris got a lot of attention as usual.  They both ate it up, of course. Leon and Boris outside of Sheldons wtih dad, Robert. Boris and I walk away into the crowd for some shopping. Boris and I pose near a carved bear. This is a great time for humans to have with other human companions.   If you have a well-behaved dog or dog in training that is ready, this is a great place to socialize your dog and proof some training.  Please remember to bring bags and pick up after your dogs.   Also remember that there are badly behaved humans at these things, so you want to bring a canine that is prepared to deal.   Also there are horses, goats, bunnies, and other dogs at these events. Keep going on adventures with your well-behaved and trained dogs.   They will love you for it. MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE DOG TRAINER MANNERLY MUTTS DOG TRAINING BLOG E-MAIL MANNERLY MUTTS

Sixth Birthday Boy Leon 10/18/2010

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Bogey's Pumpkin Patch

Bogey, our very favorite Beagle boy as a pumpkin.

Bogey's friend, Lucy as the Spider in the pumpkin patch.

Lucy the Spider, Bogey the Pumkin, and Tommy the Pumpkin head.

Lucy the Spider, Bogey the Pumkin, Leon the Pumpkin head, and Tommy also a Pumkin head.

Another group shot of Lucy the Spider, Bogey the Pumpkin, Leon the Pumpkin head, and Tommy the Pumpkin head.

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Tommy Update



New BFFs Leon, Boris & Tommy



Tommy is pretty proficient at the following now (under distraction and out and about):

1.   Let's go-which is no pulling when on the leash, and coming towards when off the leash or on the longe line.

2.   Sit-that is on first command even under distractions like door opening, closing, friends coming in, cars driving up ET.   (barking while sitting, that is a different story with strangers, but we are working on it)

3.   Stay-for 1 minute and under distractions.

4.   Leave it-will do this for me into my hand with other dogs or people around on the first command.   (need to work on this as an out from a distance around other dogs, do not expect it will be a problem)

5.   Heeling with auto sit around distractions and out and about (on leash and collar-important distinction).   Heel is a specific position that the dog needs to concentrate on rather than reacting to the environment around them.

6.   He can bike in our yard well on leash, which has been great for getting him the exercise that he needs off leash (while cheating and having him on leash for the moment)

These are the things in progress:

1.   Car ride without barking (like a lunatic) at people or other dogs as we pass by.   Or barrier barking when parked.

2.  Learning correct social greetings on the property outside the door.   (now that we have a stay command, we will start with inside the door when people come)

3.  Getting ready to be off leash in our yard.

The things that will be started this week:

1.   Beginning the down for first command performance under distractions.  (and down stay)

2.   Begin the recall or come command.

3.   Have Tommy begin to be off leash with the group outside.  He has been on longe line thus far.

Tommy has been very responsive to training.   He is becoming more and more confident in his environment here and outside of here.   His main areas of weakness seem to be barrier aggression (which isn't really aggression at all, it's a dog who alerts at an intrusion in this case in car and home) and reactive when he can not go up to a dog immediately who is barking at him.

We are only going on week 3 now, but Tommy is a promising student.   I would not say that he has behavioral problems, he just hasn't been taught how to act or socialized all that much.   He very much enjoys our outings, and so he is learning what he needs to do.  Tommy is a very promising student.   Did I mention that he loves training LOL?

We have a little while until we would bring him to any big York events like festivals or anything.  In the normal day to day, he is coming along and learning very well.

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Favorites of Fall-Marginal Way Ogunquit Maine

Columbus Day weekend provided my husband and I with a lot of opportunities to go on trips with our dogs, Leon and Boris.   Quite a few things are still going on in and around York Maine during these cooler fall weeks in October.   As of October 1st to March 31st, one of my favorite things to do with my dogs on leash is now open.   The Marginal Way of Ogunquit Maine is available for owners with their well-behaved and leashed dogs.   The trail is very narrow in some areas, and this is quite a tourist attraction, so please visit accordingly with your dogs.   This gem can always be taken away if the wrong visitors with canine pals are attracted.   Here are some photographs of our recent visit. There are these little sections of beaches with the stairs (pictured on the first photo) that are almost always open for play or a picnic.  During low tide (this is the tide coming in) there are interesting rock formations and places that can be very private. Because I enjoy being with my dogs on these walks, this is one of my very favorite fall activities.   Additionally Ogunquit has Halloween festivities from October 22nd to October 24th. Boris and Leon hope to trick or treat you there! MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE DOG TRAINER MANNERLY MUTTS DOG TRAINING BLOG E-MAIL MANNERLY MUTTS

Tommy News

Sorry if I am boring some of my readers.  I am totally Tommy obsessed though:)  I love behaviorally challenged dogs, and I like dogs not that behaviorally challenged.   So far, it seems that Tommy belongs in the normal, excitable, energetic for a four year old, but has not received the full training needed group.  Publicly in exciting environments, he is going to be a bit more of a challenge as his owners described (most likely, today is the day).  

In my home, I have observed a few things that point to the issues in public.  Nothing at all alarming to me, and what I would expect in most newly rescued dogs.   That is how I treat my adult canine clients when they come, as if they were MY recently adopted adult dog from a rescue.  So not much is taken for granted as far as their temperament or their knowledge of how to interact in our different world.

The things that I have observed:

• Owner had reported much excitability at the door when visitors come.   I bring Tommy out when certain daycare guests arrive, and have observed a slight "woofing".   So in our training, we are also in the process of training for a relaxed and confident sit before greeting guests.  That has meant that Tommy has not been able to go for a pet and greet yet which is his motivation.   When he gets more comfortable and stops the "woof" we will allow guests to get closer until a calm pat can happen from a seated position.
• Related to above, Tommy loves both human and canine contact, at least with those he knows.   It has not been an overly long process to introduce Tommy to new canine friends.   We do go through a preliminary greeting process and protocol first. 
• While Tommy does love human contact, I see a couple of territorial and protect behaviors in him (see woofing).   Very similar to my Dobermans.   Just a matter of Tommy understanding that I do not need his help in this regard.    So this is the reason for training excellent sit stays to teach him this, and also proper greetings of guests.  Nothing over the top or alarming, just things that need to be trained so no misunderstandings happen on the part of the dog.  An owner or handler needs to be able to somehow communicate to a dog, when they feel danger is near, that there is no danger present and they can relax.
• Tommy has done very well on longe line training  (this article features Lola who is a bolter.   to see a non bolter like Tommy on days 4-8 see this longe line video featuring non-bolting Hoobie) to date, but does display a lack of knowledge of correct walking when the leash is on.  Much of the training done now is to teach Tommy the concept that bolting to the end of the leash or reacting while the leash is on is not what is being looked for.
• Tommy loves training.   He loves it so much that when I am training a dog, he tries to join in.   He isn't that far in the training process to know exactly what we may be doing, but he tries to copy it:)  Very cute and an excellent sign.
• Tommy tries to mimic a lot of what Leon and his other friends do.   When we go out in public, we may take some of them along so that Tommy feels a bit more confident and can observe their behavior in public.
• Tommy can be mouthy when he gets excited.   A sign that he may deflect on me later when we go out in public.   Blue-jeans and knowledgeable leash handling skills will allow me to get away with some slight bruising if that happens.    When the dog gets more comfortable and trusting of you and his environment (and assuming you act appropriately when the deflecting happens) this usually takes care of itself shortly.  It may not happen at all, assuming that a bit of a distance will allow Tommy to acclimate himself as we get closer and closer to other "strange" dogs.  (NOTE:  I SHOULD DO AN ARTICLE IN THE FUTURE ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS THAT CAN DECREASE CONFIDENCE IN A DOG WHEN THE ENVIRONMENT CHANGES TO UNFAMILIAR.  RIGHT NOW THIS IS BECOMING THE "SAFE" PLACE TO MEET DOGS)
• Tommy can get jumpy and pushy as well when excited:)   He is such a young acting four year old.   As far as I am concerned, this is excellent because it most likely means he is pretty physically sound.   This sort of energy works well with training also.   It takes a fair amount of energy for a dog like this to mentally learn and absorb new things.  This works well for the both of us.
• Tommy is very eager to please.   He eats up the praise better than he would treats, I believe.  
• Regarding above, it's obvious that Tommy is food motivated though, LOL.   He's not obnoxious about it, like my Boris.   When the stove is on though, he is following us around.   He has not shown the least bit of food aggression yet, and I don't really expect him too.   You do always have to look out for the behavioral bends though.
• Tommy likes toys.   The very first couple of days, I was trying to decide if Tommy was resource guarding the toys.   He has gotten a lot more confident in these few days, and it seems like playing with other dogs trumps toys for him.   He didn't do anything horrible the first few days, except growl a bit at dogs coming towards his toys.   He does not do that now, but still tries to "win" sometimes if the toy is thrown.   In winning, he is a bit like a bull in a china shop.   I have noticed when the other dogs walk away at that, he looses interest in the toy and wants to play with the dogs.   His toy play seems to be evolving into an understanding of sharing = playing with dogs and toys:)  This is good.
• Tommy, like many in the terrier or pit bull categories, makes funny noises, especially when excited.  To people unfamiliar with these dogs, this can seem scary to them.   Another reason to train Tommy to be confident and obedient when out in public.  
• I would note expect that Tommy would be any kind of serious fighter.  Tommy, I think, gives a good "game" face when he is unsure of something.   Judging from his backing off skills when playing with others, he is more concerned that another dog may harm him than wanting to really start something with another dog.  (NOTE: ARTICLE SHOULD COME OUT SOON ON WHY DOES MY DOG DO THAT ON LEASH?)  So I am guessing that when out in public, and under the "safety" of a leash that will pull him back, he's saying loudly "Get away from me, I don't know you.   Look how impressive I can look".  However, Tommy doesn't seem the sort that could actually back it up if he needed to.   He really just wants to get along, but does not always trust the other dogs attentions or his handler/owner's ability to protect him.
• Tommy does possess a bit of prey and chase drive (understatement LOL).  With other dogs, this can look aggressive, but he is just playing in an over the top way.   Training will allow us to recall, let's go, or sit stay him before he barrels into or tackles somebody.   The only problem with this type of play (besides accidental injury of tendons) is the misunderstanding that will come particularly in a dog that does not know him well yet.   Or even in one that does know him but simply does not like to be tackled.
• Tommy is a poker, and sometimes a nose nudger.   He pokes with his paws when he wants to play with a dog.   He nudges with his nose when he really would like a pat.   You just need to be sure the other dogs are used to a poker before letting a poker do that over and over.    This is another thing that some dogs aren't used to, and therefore can be taken the wrong way.

Tommy is an excellent dog.   He is becoming such a great friend to my dogs and visa versa.   He just needs some rough edges smoothed out, it would appear.   Some of my opinions of the above might change over time, and that is something we sometimes call the behavioral bends.   Or just considering something that does not prove to be the case once you try it out.   

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International Fugitive Tommy Has Arrived Safe and Sound



Whatcha writing about me?



The flight was on time last night, and going through customs went as the transport company had predicted.   So Tommy arrived at our house just a little past midnight last night.   All in all, this actually worked in our favor as he was pretty tired and very quickly fell to sleep in our bedroom.   Our bedroom was occupied with four other dogs last night.

So one may be wondering as my other dog professional friends have asked, how is it that you intake a strange dog in the middle of the night with other dog guests?  Regardless of the temperament of the dog reported, you do this carefully.   Remember that Tommy just had a long international flight, and has been recently exposed to all sorts of things he just has not been prepared for yet. You can't get mad at a dog for having the appropriate reaction to a situation.   You can not expect that they will know the situation or who you are on the very first day.  Tommy has zero reason to trust me or the dogs that are here. So here is the plan in action:

• Number one, I inform the husband of the plan repeatedly.   Husbands take far more repetition than dogs to learn things:) Most important thing I let him know, is do not let any dogs out of the places I put them--no matter what and for any reason.   I will take care of that.
• I have a closed off place, actually a very large family room, to keep the four dogs in.   Even though they (except puppy Boris) are used to this very sort of thing, Tommy is not.  There is no reason to expose anyone to a potentially overly stressful situation.
• In the other part of the house, I have access to leashes and outdoor area for bathroom.
• When the car comes in, I grab the leash and meet drop off person outside.   Tommy gets to walk around and pee first, plus check me out, before the transfer is made.
• I greet very calmly and do not force myself on a dog.   Often just taking the end of the leash is fine, and entering the house.  
• Once in the house, doors are made sure to be firmly closed or locked to the outside (and gates closed in the outdoor pee/poop area) so there are no unfortunate incidents.
• Longe line is ready to let Tommy out into chicken wire enclosed dog peeing and pooping area.   This is just to make sure Tommy is not one to try to break out or even jump over the fence.   Again on first meeting there is no reason to take risks.
• Once that is done, I settled Tommy into prepared crate in the bedroom near my bed.
• Then the four other dogs are let upstairs.  
• In this instance, everyone pretty much crashed with little fanfare.   Boris was quite alarmed to find a dog and crate suddenly "appeared" in the bedroom.   Tommy took this etiquette lapse gracefully. Roxy, Harley, and Leon were thinking "oh hi there, another one to break in" and just went to their sleeping places.



Hey lady, I don't know you, but you seem nice enough.



I watched tv with my chair near Tommy for a little while.   When I saw his head start to almost hit the floor a few times, I figured that he was going to be out cold and he was.   This worked out well because we all got the sleep that we needed, Tommy got to get used to his new companions' smells, and I could hear if Tommy suddenly needed to go to the bathroom.   If I keep a dog in a different room, I have a baby monitor too, but sometimes the movements of discomfort of the dog does not register as a need to go out.   Whereas if I can see the dog right there, it is pretty obvious.   Tommy did not need to go out, and slept like a rock.

Who is this vision of loveliness?  (Answer:  Bella)

Today is going well with Tommy.   He is concerned and nervous.   He is interested in dogs.   He wants to play.   He would like a little getting to know time first (or that is going to be what works best for him).   It's less than a day, so I am not even close to knowing Tommy.   However, it's been a good day and a good start.

A lot of people start out by just expecting too much from a dog in this situation.   They do not stack the odds in favor of the dogs success.   Sometimes people get a little too upset about dog communication (barks, growls, looks) and too anxious. (I should probably go a bit more into what I really mean by this in another article, as it's pretty important)   That combined with no boundaries or limitations is a dangerous combination even with the nicest dogs.  It's so easy for rough play to be misinterpreted by another dog who does not know that dog.   Then what happens is a totally unnecessary fight, because of a misunderstanding of intent.

Will you be my BFF?

Roxy and Harley are daycare dogs, and also board here frequently.

Tommy is definitely enjoying himself today, and I will write more about the challenges of managing a dog;s first day, including the getting to know part.  Dogs all have different signals and sounds, and if you don't know the dog they can either sound more alarming than they are or less alarming than you should take them.  It's all about learning the dog as you develop your relationship and communication structure.  Canines learn this themselves as well.   That is why it is sometimes very easy for a misunderstanding to occur.  One dog's play signal may be another dog's "I'm a gonna get you" signal.

Tommy looks like he is probably big into play.   I think he will most likely be a wild man about exercise and play LOL.   Today is just about some quiet introductions and absorbing the behaviors of his new companions.

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