Pictures

[Zana]

So, I thought I would post some pictures. Catching them sleeping together at bedtime is easy, because we all settle down, its the after picture I had a hard time getting, because when I make any big movement they're up.. I had to sneak a picture of them sleeping together like I've said before. They'll start in the bed together, than sometime during the night, kota would move from being too hot. (She's done this before Mishki came. While Mishki would stay in the bed curled. But enjoy. When at the park, kota would stay with me. She doesn't care for other dogs, but will perk up, high head, high ears and tail up a bit and wagging.
But she wont play or run. Miskhi would charge after the dogs with a bit of a bossy attitude which I dont like how she greets other friendly dogs.
At the start she would have all her back fur raised. Than, she will be ok until a pair of dogs are wrestling. Mishki seems to think the one who is on the bottom is getting beat up and she feels she has to help, but her demeanor is no longer play. When it happened the first time, I interviend and had a time out. When I thought she calmed she went right back to the two to try and fight. Right there I knew it was time to leave. Her doggy manners are,.. Not where I would like, but I hope an older dog will tell her when enough is enough. She's had a few already who didnt like her rambunctiousness when greeting and she did take the hint after three scolding from the other dog. Hopefully she'll get better with her manners.
When kota gets scared, Mishki would notice and drop everything she's doing to run at full speed to her and start licking her muzzle in which kota would stop and turn her head away where Mishki would continue doing it, then when Mishki is satisfied she's not afraid, she'll go back to play. Mishki like the tag n chase. She doesn't like the wrestling it seems. Anyways enjoy.

 

[JacqueZ]

So precious! The other night (well morning, it was about 4 am) Honey and I went to bed after a long night working and Honey curled up right against Mango! I was so excited I woke up my husband so he could see. And when Mango shifted away a little bit, Honey moved over to be curled up against her again!

Mango has communication problems as well. Her fear last year turned aggressive and instead of just wanting to get away from other dogs, she'd bark and charge at them. She's never bit another dog, but managing her has been an issue and we've been working on it. Now she still charges with a bark but it's less aggressive and since she frequently does this to Honey when she wants company outside or is feeling bored I'm not sure if it's her trying to play or not

When we were walking at the park the other day she managed to wiggle out of her harness while another dog was walking past. I was terrified about what would happen because she bolted towards it barking. Then she sniffed noses, barked again and rushed off down the path about three feet. So... I'm left very confused as to what her temperament is right now. The owners of the other dog were very understanding, which was relieving.

 

[Zana]

So precious! The other night (well morning, it was about 4 am) Honey and I went to bed after a long night working and Honey curled up right against Mango! I was so excited I woke up my husband so he could see. And when Mango shifted away a little bit, Honey moved over to be curled up against her again!

Mango has communication problems as well. Her fear last year turned aggressive and instead of just wanting to get away from other dogs, she'd bark and charge at them. She's never bit another dog, but managing her has been an issue and we've been working on it. Now she still charges with a bark but it's less aggressive and since she frequently does this to Honey when she wants company outside or is feeling bored I'm not sure if it's her trying to play or not

When we were walking at the park the other day she managed to wiggle out of her harness while another dog was walking past. I was terrified about what would happen because she bolted towards it barking. Then she sniffed noses, barked again and rushed off down the path about three feet. So... I'm left very confused as to what her temperament is right now. The owners of the other dog were very understanding, which was relieving.

Oh my. Well, at least what ur doing is working. Keep at it. Speaking of scare, kota got out of the house when she saw the door open. When she ran not bolted, I freaked and frantically ran after her. ( big mistake). But she did not go anywhere, just kind of stood outside somewhat in a daze. When she saw me, I was nervous and called her, while crouched down. Her tail wagged a little n she came right back to me, soft eyes, ears flat. All my worries n fears left me.
Now when she sees the door open and before she even thinks, I softly talk to her to let her know, I'm here n she just goes back down and sleep. I think, because she's seen me leave so many times, that when,she's sleeping, she hears the door open n thinls I'm outside. So her trial, is to follow after me. But, I have to reassure her I'm still in the house before she moves, because if she's on the move, she has selective hearing or too afraid to realize I'm calling her.
We are working on door training. Its very slow n time consuming. I don't think she's as smart as a sheltie is, because it's taking her a long time to get it.
The good part is, she won't venture further than, the end of our driveway, but if someone's sees her n tries to go after her, shell avoid them. If they keep coming, shell trot then run.

I often wonder what could have happened to her or if this is just who she is. But she's still my baby girl and always will be. Even with a young adult pup in the house hold. Even though miski isn't mine, she prefers me n gets jealous if I pay attention to kota, so to keep the peace, I give em both equal love and alone time with each one without the other. After all, I don't want mishki to get jealous and take that out on kota as she matures.

 

[Cara Sandler]

In the short term, can you baby gate your front door so she can't get out when the door is open?

 

[ghggp]

Those pictures are beyond precious!!! The face licking just got to me!!! How sweet!

 

[JacqueZ]

I often wonder what could have happened to her or if this is just who she is. But she's still my baby girl and always will be. Even with a young adult pup in the house hold. Even though miski isn't mine, she prefers me n gets jealous if I pay attention to kota, so to keep the peace, I give em both equal love and alone time with each one without the other. After all, I don't want mishki to get jealous and take that out on kota as she matures.

It sounds like you're doing a fantastic job on the training. It's always scary when the dogs get away from us. But the herding breeds really have an instinct to remain near if you're not chasing. It's very hard to balance the needs of playing with an older dog and a younger one, but it sounds like you're managing it just fine. I often feel guilty that Honey gets cuddled more, just because being next to me is her spot; meanwhile when we're playing and it's hard for Honey to get in, because any ball or toy I throw is snapped up so quickly by Mango with all her youthful energy.