We don't need no stinkin' leashes ...

We took a walk in the field again today. My new 2lggd mom must be starting to trust me, because she let me walk off leash! I liked that because my new packmate Emma knows how to play.

I do trust Bubba now to stay with me. And I know he is trusting us. So we have begun walking off leash. On the drive from his old home, I started using the clicker and Pupperonis, mostly for getting back into the car without making me push him from behind. He began to swing his head around in response to the click on the third try. So on this walk we were doing a few recalls for clicks and treats.

It's nice to see Bubba and Emma playing so nicely. Emma has adapted wonderfully. The only time things feel a little chaotic is when I put food bowls down. I think I will do a little focused work on respecting eachother's food bowls.

I know Bubba is beginning to feel more relaxed in his new home, because he's beginning to engage in his bad habit, jumping up. Yesterday at Thanksgiving, when I came out to check on Bubba , he was so happy to see me that he reared up, put his paws on my shoulders, and gripped me in a bear-hug. He actually clung to me for about 10 seconds. And yesterday he greeted a visitor to our door in the same way. Fortunately, she had met Bubba briefly earlier, so she was only a little surprised. In fact, she didn't mind to much, and was a little bit charmed by the way he hung on.

I plan to put a container of very yummy treats by the door, and work on sitting for treats when guests arrive. I may have to start locking the door so that I have time to prepare each time someone comes in. We have the kind of house where people just walk in. It's fine with me, but it gives the dogs the chance to be the first greeters, which means I cannot control the interaction.

Kathy, Bubba's 2lggd mom

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