01/15/2022
Dogs are always learning even when you're not intentionally teaching them anything.
It is important for our dog to not only learn and bond with us, but also other dogs and animals. They need someone that also speaks their language. That is why some dogs can have socializing issues. They forgot how to speak dog and be an animal without constant human supervision and intervention.
Betty is learning how to not only be with us, but also the other dogs and cats in the household. This is just as important as us teaching her how to behave, except these animals are speaking her native language. She's learning what's right and wrong, how to play properly, learning to gauge the other animals resposes. They correct her when necessary, and she gets it. She doesn't over react. She simply doesn't keep doing it because they said it's enough.
Every morning after Betty has eaten and been outside again to potty, she comes in and has "free time" with her seven year old grand sire, Obi. Obi is very appropriate with her. He plays and let's her be a puppy, but he corrects when necessary without over correcting. That's very important, especially with Terrors -- I mean Terriers. He engages her in play, rolls around with her, let's her jump up and run around, but when she's gotten over stimulated and her crazy comes out, he politely tells her to tone it down to a tolerable level.
Betty is also learning that being free in the house doesn't mean it's a free for all. There are still rules and boundaries. This is where having a solid dog like Obi comes in to teach her. She mimicks his behavoirs. He decides he's done playing with her, so chews a bone. She follows. Very important. She's learning to make smart and appropriate decisions on her own. Do I still need to point her in the right direction sometimes? Of course, she's a puppy. Above all, it is important that she's set up for success to make smart decisions on her own.
