New Security System

For several years I’ve been thinking about getting a dog.  My son has been asking for one ever since he moved in.  So last night we went to the Humane Society and adopted a sweet little Cattle Dog/Terrier mix. 

She’s an “older” dog, meaning no longer a puppy, which was one of my requirements.  I don’t have time or energy for the puppy phase.  Her previous owners trained her quite well as she responds immediately to both voice and hand commands. 

My son has a habit of being very lumbering and forward with where he places himself in proximity to another person and, like any other kid, usually doesn’t think about what his posture is communicating.  He also gets very demanding with both little children and animals.

Care of the dog is primarily his responsibility.

We’ve had conversations in the past about what he is communicating in his stance and proximity, about appropriate interaction, and about not being the adult.  But he’s never had to consistently practice it with anyone other than me (and somehow he usually thinks that rules with Mama don’t apply to interaction with anyone else).

Last night the dog was a little confused and scared about suddenly being in a new place. 

She wouldn’t eat her breakfast this morning but has had no trouble begging all day today.  Apparently she was fed from the table in her last home.

Throughout the day she has become more and more relaxed.  She still goes completely submissive when my son comes up to her.  We’re working on appropriate posture for not intimidating and learning to be gentle.  He’s also having to learn that he can’t make decisions for the dog.  She’ll do her business when she’s good and ready; asking her 45 times in the space of 3 minutes will not make it happen.  If you invite her upstairs to sleep with you and she chooses not to stay, you cannot demand that she sleep with you.

He told me that having a dog is more work than he expected.  Apparently he didn’t believe me in all those conversations the last few months.

The dog is starting to perk up and pay attention to what’s going on around the house; willing to let you know that she thinks this is her space.  I wanted a dog that would deter would-be criminals and protect our home. 

What she seems to be having trouble adjusting to is how loud the furnace is when it kicks on.  She sits at attention every time it comes on.  A little while ago, she barked at it.  That was pretty funny.  Hopefully she’ll adjust to the noise pretty soon.