So much in 1 month!!

 

Has it been 4 weeks already!!! Where does the time go!

So summer has been busy. Molly has really grown to know she can feel at home. She's learned that all couches and pillows and beds are super comfortable. But she does prefer to sleep in our own area and does not jump on the bed ..... yet. 

She has definitely bonded with myself, my daughter and our other pup. SO....this resource guarding I saw all over her profile....we've figured it out. 

She has been perfect with my smaller dog and child. She will meet another dog soon so we'll see if it's really selective or just how the meeting goes. She absolutely will tolerate play and nuisance, but she knows her limit and will correct, but that's it, a quick growl. 

NOW....her bond. YES she DOES choose to strongly bond with one person. My boyfriend has been the outed stranger. And she will bark when he comes in the same room, or comes in he house after work, or even walking toward the couch if my daughter and I are sitting down. 

Now, first day, I ABSOLUTELY paid attention when my daughter approached me if she paid attention or would guard me from her. It NEVER happened. She recognized her size and age and knew we were a packaged deal. She is 4. 

So we work on my corrections when she exhibits this behavior. His presence as another pack leader. She has slowly melted to his charm. But it's not perfect yet. 

I would say for her new family, for the whole family to do the meet and greet and drive home. This creates the same exposure for everyone and her. And letting her be her initially, but really let her know she needs to integrate her pack. It's not a male or female thing, it may be a child versus adult thing. So I would say teenagers and older children may be perceived differently than my young child. I would advise family members that are more present in the home so she gets the constant exposure of the whole pack.

Lastly, PATIENCE. She is beautiful and loving, and for whatever reason she's got this quirk, but will be all worth it when she learns it's okay to love more than one person.