We had Penny for an extended period of time recently. One day as I sat in my office; she and Elsa had a quiet playtime before it got crazy. These photos are from that fleeting quiet time. Enjoy and have a great week.
The Golden Girls
Lucy came over to play last week. First a little background on Elsa and Lucy's relationship. They first met when Elsa was very small, then we moved away. Since we've been back they have only been together off a couple of times; and only once in my backyard. The rest of the time together has been spent walking on leash in parks. We met out front of my house so that Elsa could get a heads up before they played. Elsa knew she was there before I opened the door. But I leashed her up and out we went. Elsa did her hinged in the middle routine jumping all over Lucy's Mom while Lucy jumped all over me crying. It's really nice when a dog that is not your own loves to see you. :)
Of course there were retrieving games.
Elsa joined Lucy for a good sniff of the area.
Having fun just running around.
Then the big boy came out and Lucy was a bit nervous, very normal for a submissive dog.
Lucy is a gorgeous Golden Retriever, inside and out.
Elsa was so excited to have Lucy over that she immediately dove into her full on play mode. This actually threw Lucy a bit; they hadn't done the brawl play before and Lucy being very submissive was not quite sure that it was all play.
Elsa tried shoving a toy in Lucy's face to get the game of chase going. You can clearly see Lucy's tight lips here, she's a bit apprehensive.
Elsa growled, jumped and charged at Lucy. Lucy was still a bit nervous to join in but started to relax.
Lucy's turn to check out Luke. Luke loves Lucy.
A testing moment as Lucy comes to see if she can play with Elsa's toy. Elsa gives her a mock freeze and then dives into the game.
Elsa tempting Lucy to try to take the toy.
Elsa could tell that Lucy was apprehensive so tried to make it very clear that she wanted to play. You can see Lucy's squinted eyes and pulled back lips here in submission. So Elsa works harder.
Elsa's gets her goof on.
Elsa saying to Lucy "look how much fun I'm having, come join."
Another clear shot of Lucy squinting in submission. They had fun being together but when Elsa brought out her brawling tactics, Lucy was a bit reserved. By the end of the play Lucy was relaxing and starting to get into it. We will get them together a lot more in my backyard so that they can get their game on together.
Home for the Holidays
Visiting and having fun at Grandma's house.
Home for the Holidays is what it's all about. I love the Holiday season, I love spending time with family and having everyone together. This of course can be a big change from the norm; which can mean some confusion for our canines. The more activity that your dog is use to the better they will be able to adapt to the hustle and bustle that can come along with the Holiday season. If your dog is use to a more calm and quiet lifestyle; then the commotion of having everyone home may just be too much. Watch for the signs.
Often when we come together; we bring dogs who do not live in the same household together. That can mean stress, watch for it. It can also mean exhaustion like with Penny and Elsa; no sleeping and just playing. There are signs when they have had too much; which is when I separate them for a naptime. Things get going to fast, literally. Elsa starts to get a little more loud and Penny zooms. That is when they both need a time out. Left to their own they would continue; so human intervention is needed.
Celebrate me home - Kenny Loggins
Lots of dogs are not happy to have a houseful of family and friends. For those types, do them the favor of offering them a safe and quiet spot. We had a party at our house on Saturday; it was actually my sons party so the house was filled with friends. Both Luke and Elsa were out at the beginning. Elsa was whipping everyone with her tail; Luke was socializing but staying close to me. After about an hour they went upstairs to bed. They had enough socializing for the evening and with more people coming, space was getting a bit tight. At that point Luke was more than happy to hit his bed and be quiet. Of course Elsa would have loved to stay out and socialize but Luke needed her with him. So they had a bit of both which was just right.
There are many dogs who do not do well with anyone different in the house. They need your help to be feel safe and secure. Don't force them to enjoy the crowds that you enjoy. Having a dog that is uncomfortable or past their comfort zone is not a good thing. Offer them what they need to feel okay and then you can enjoy your friends. The Holiday season can be wonderful, but it can also be very stressful for our dogs. Know how much your dog can handle and still feel at a level of comfort. As I always say, "they are all different." At this time of year many dogs are pushed beyond their comfort zone; know your dog so that doesn't happen.