Puppies...

I have two very young dogs, pups, one of each of very different breeds. I'll call them 'here' - Little and Large, because, compared to each other (and most other dogs), they are. They have lovely personalities, the older (by a month and a half) "Large" was confused about his name for the first 3 months, he thought it was "Good Boy!".

They're both very sociable. Understand that in this sense, I mean VERY sociable. They still think that everyone will be welcoming to them and want to pet them, make a fuss and probably play too (be Friendly, Fun). They're beginning to recognise their own confusion when meeting someone for the first time, the enthusiasm they have may not be met with the same in return, that confuses them and it's beginning (very occasionally at the moment) to creep in with a descernible hesitation before making their way over to make the introductions (so to speak).

Acquired knowledge is being applied. Large, for example, has decided he's really not  sure about the motive behind one particular dog that we have met several times now when out on one of the walks. I think he's not sure because he's noticed a problem in respect to the other dog's behaviour. On the one hand, it seems to want to play, on the other hand.... it's stance suggests an aggression. Large isn't at all sure or happy around this dog. Little on the other hand seems much more confident, accepting the other dogs behaviour and responding playfully.

It also seems plausible that this dog does feel or want to be aggressive, perhaps Little's puppy friendliness is something it can't resist responding positively towards. Either way, Large, I'm comfortably sure, will, in due course, make a decision and take an authoritative stance.

I watched a documentary styled programme yesterday, all about 'Man's Best Friend'. Fascinating, science has unfolded a few interesting facts regarding dogs and the bond they have with us as two distinct yet more happily co-existing species.

I'm training them both in both spoken and unspoken 'commands'. This means that I'm utilising what I know as an individual with Auditory Processing Disorder. They're each different in character and so alike. They're such good friends and it's fascinating watching them grow up learning about each experience they have.

When Large joined our family, I used to do a narrative for my son. Large would be doing something (playing probably) and I'd talk about what I imagined he was thinking. My youngest son (who was 13 at the time) listened with interest as I explained (in Large's voice) why he was behaving in any particular way.

We worried initially when Little joined our small throng. Suddenly there was a very definite and aggressive reaction. I laugh now thinking about how we must have watched in horror as Little attacked Large. It wasn't as easy as it may have looked to "let them get on with it". Little makes sudden rushes at Large - lunging at times. After living together (and growing up together) for 4 months now, they have a well established play.

I particularly enjoyed explaining to my youngest why Little was pretending to have a great time playing with the pebble - so that Large would decide to take it off him so that he could play with the stick (Large currently had) instead. Toy envy is hilarious at times.

Large enjoys showing Little what toy he's found, Little wants to play but recognises the pattern and growls instead of attempting immediately to capture the toy for himself. Large now realises that Little's not going to engage in a game of tug and war so easily and demonstrates what a great time could be had by the dog playing with that toy. Little tries to act indifferent, still unconvincingly.