Even when one has had many dogs and dogs for many years, it is not always immediately obvious what is going wrong in a dog interaction. This was the case when Cayo first arrived at our house. We knew Sydney had met many dogs, gets along well at day care, has had many dogs in our home and never had had a problem with her interactions. But she was not happy for the first hour or so with Cayo..she would play with him and invite him to play but then nip at him every once in a while when they were in close quarters - we were quick to jump all over Sydney but we knew this was not her regular way of interacting. First I wondered if she was not feeling well or if as she is finding her place as she has moved from puppy to adult she was not sure of her body language and place in the family. We had also had a very stressful day so I considered if that tension was upsetting her..however... Careful watching, some photos and thinking helped us understand the situation. It was another lesson of watch your dogs, know how your dogs have interacted with other dogs, and try to see what is different in this interaction. Thank you to Drs. Patricia McConnell and Sophia Yin for writing your books on understanding body language in dogs and discussing dogs who are lacking good manners with other dogs. We were able to help set boundaries with a young pup rather than Sydney feeling overwhelmed with the responsibility. Cayo quickly learned respect for older dogs, to watch the other dog's body language and to keep his teeth to himself in play. He was a star pupil and Sydney is really enjoying him now.
Cayo and Sydney are enjoying great play times after we watched their play and studied some photos and helped to create safe play rules and situations.
Cayo quickly picked up when the treats were being handed out and who would be doing it...he is a smart fellow!
Cayo waiting to drink but now will drink with the Sydney and Jewel.
Play hard and then just drop off to sleep..what a good boy!
Cayo enjoying a good snack and he quickly learned not to leave it about if he wanted it!
We are having a great time with Cayo and find him to be lovely to look at, loving in nature and a quick learner.
We also re-learned a lot...
It was another lesson of watch your dogs, know how your dogs have interacted with other dogs, and try to see what is different in this interaction. Thank you to Drs. Patricia McConnell and Sophia Yin for writing your books on understanding body language in dogs and how to figure out what is going wrong!!
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