Ruff Love

Owen may be over a year old, but he is still very much a puppy. Owen didn't get to learn a lot of frustration tolerance or patience growing up, so teaching him those skills is a primary focus. He gets easily frustrated, and much like a toddler, if pushed too far he sometimes has "tantrums." For Owen this could mean barking, snapping at other dogs, refusing to share space, or growling. Just like toddlers  learn how to share and manage their emotions, Owen is going through the same journey. Fortunately for Owen, Maya is here to help guide him towards being a more polite little guy!

Owen sitting beside big sister Maya.

Below is a series of photos demonstrating one of the lessons Maya taught Owen. While the photos may look fierce, rest assured that dogs are excellent at correcting one another for inappropriate behavior. Most of the time our role is to supervise and make sure it doesn't go beyond a correction. No one was hurt in the making of this post, although Owen's pride did get a little bruised!

Notice Owen's wrinkled muzzle - he is starting to bare his teeth at her in an attempt to get her to drop the ball so he can take it.

More lip curls - Maya is steadfastly ignoring him and his demands.

Owen amps up his display. He looks terribly fierce, but note the relaxed posture of his ears and the roundness of his eyes. Even the corners of his mouth are relaxed - he wants the ball and is making a fuss to try and get it, but its almost all empty posturing!

Owen tries to grab the ball out of Maya's mouth, and she corrects him. She snaps at him, and as is typical of dogs, there is noise and a flash of teeth, but no one ever gets hurt. She corrects him as an adult dog disciplining a rude puppy; she has tolerance for his behavior to an extent, does a quick, firm correction when he pushes too far, and immediately returns to patience and tolerance after the correction.

This photo was taken as Maya was correcting him. Notice how Owen's ears are back and to the side, partway between appeasement and insecurity about what is going on. His eyes are wide and round, his face is tight, and his body weight is leaning away from Maya - he knows Maya is correcting him and he doesn't much like it!

After the correction Owen sends Maya appeasement gestures - turning his head to the side and away from her, and he licks his lips. Maya has already moved on and goes back to playing. She has a relaxed, loose face, and neutral ears. A few minutes later the two of them are back to playing!

The best teacher in the house for fosters!