White Dog and Quinn have been have little verbal skirmishes of late. As Quinn gains health and begins to feel more secure in our home, he is challenging White Dog a bit over her "rules." They will, in time, in their own way work out a relationship that allows each dog to feel comfortable with the other. The hard part, as parents, is to step back and let them negotiate their own way.
It was rewarding this morning when we discovered a new off-leash Park in town that is totally fenced and was virtually deserted. We were able to let both White Dog (who can really go off-leash anywhere) and Quinn (who is still an unknown) free to explore and exercise. White Dog ran the length of the Park flat out as is her usual Park strategy but suddenly stopped and returned to check on Quinn who was sniffing and strolling and staying very close to the starting point. She nosed him and then hung around in his vicinity doing zoomies at top speed but keeping Quinn under her protective watch. For his part, Quinn followed her lead and never strayed too far from his "sister." They even shared the back seat to nap (not touching!) on the way home.
And yet tonight, White Dog bossed Quinn around from the moment we got home...and Quinn tried to hip swat her out of the way while Steve was petting both. Each is doing his interpretation of "Look at me! I am the good dog...see how rude the other one is?" We are trying very hard to stay neutral and let the "kids" make it work.
P.S. Don't forget to visit Ben at http://lifeon3legs.wordpress.com/2010/03/18/a-year-ago/ and leave the comment, "Ben You Rock!" Animal Rescue money is earned for every comment!
10 comments:
It is really interesting to watch the negotiations between pack members. I think TD and Ciara have worked things out pretty well with some issues still remaining over toys. Of course, feeding time is still done in separate areas as the puppygirl eats so fast and then wants to raid the other bowls too. Phantom still hasn't decided if he wants this new member around. Most of the time he ignores her but once in a while he makes a weak effort at playtime or gives her a good warning that she needs to back off. All in due time.
Glad to see White Dog and Quinn doing so well.
Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
I can see that it will ake time but when you describe the park trip I can see it is already starting to gel and they will soon be inseperable.. Hugs GJ xx
It will just take time for them to figure things out especially the more that Quinn realizes this is also his forever home.
The last part was so true, the look at me I'm good part. haha. :)
it sounds to me like things are working themselves out as expected. Not surprised to see some attitude changes once he felt more comfortable.
Quinn is certainly starting to feel more at home!
hey Siku Marie and Quinn,
An off-leash dog park?! I am SO there! OK, I guess not really, but I wish I were! I have not been to an off-leash dog park in a few years and I sure miss it. Nothing better than the joy of running free in the wind!
I am glad the two of you are working things out. I am sorry I have not stopped by in so long, so it makes my tail wag to read that you two are figuring out your relationship. It takes time to establish but I know you two will make it work and respect each other. But, even if a disagreement occurs occasionally it is OK, because siblings always fight! :-> That is what siblings are for! (well, for love and support, too!)
Suka
Thanks fur sharing the images AND sounds!
Of khourse, Merdie and I know the outkhome!
Girls Rule...
Boys Drool...
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra & Khousin Merdie
PeeEssWoo: Ben soooo does rokhk!
Oh boy.. siblings. That's why I'm an only child.
I can't get mad at myself can I?
I'm sure you'll work it out.
norwood
PS.. I went over to ben's.
Hey BFF - what is it with these orphans coming in and thinking they can take over our parents, and favorite spots to lay, and toys, and food??? OK, so I'm really exaggerating. I know its a little hard right now, but it really will work out. Brother and I did, and I'm already being way more tolerant of Atka than I was of any other doggie. Just know I feel your pain, and love you!
Prinnie
The "no touching" rule is present in our home too. I love my sister but if she gets too close...grrrrrrr.:)
Love,
Teddy Bear
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