Maybe One Day…
Friends….we all need them, same for our dogs. Always nice to hang out with those that accept you being “you”. During Sammy’s last visit Rocky and him did not enjoy being around one another.
Poor Sammy….last few years during his visit he has had to adjust to the pack size, as well as the pack dynamics. Last visit the pack size was just three, and through Sammy’s eyes….there was this young, big Golden thinking he was in charge.
Little dog syndrome…..Sammy puffed up and went after Rocky, he thought he would teach him a thing or two….of course there was a gate separating them…and Rocky was unafraid….actually it made him go into full attack mode. Mike was right there and sadly, was frightened that Sammy would get injured for he can stick his nose through the gate opening….Mike pushed Rocky out of the way and Rocky was just snapping….and yes, he bit Mike….bad, bad dog. This was a very serious situation. Rocky not even a year old had not ever shown any aggression….he went into full throttle in such a short duration. No dogs were injured and as soon as I made it into the room Both dogs kenneled up. Now I was not there to see what happened….no doubt it could have been prevented….so now….one bite. It will not ever happen again….while training had already been introduced…..time to roll up the sleeves and work harder.
Rocky as a puppy showed little interest in dogs other then those in his pack…..pretty much ignoring them….so unlike the typical goldens I have known. Even with people….a bit stand offish….within a few weeks to the biting incident he also growled at a woman that had come to pick up her painting….his health….allergies and pano. …which he has experienced since I brought him home.
Fast forward to Sammy’s current visit…. This visit they (Rocky & Sammy) have been walked together a few times, I have allowed contact in the yard, however Sammy is not reliable with all of his commands when with the other dogs…..I sense him not trusting me to control the situation. Several months ago Sammy was attacked while out walking with his person by two large loose dogs….he would prefer not to be in a large dogs company. Since he is not my dog….I have not pushed the issue. Keeping the duration that they are together short.. Rocky can go about his business…play, chew sticks….with what seems a normal curiosity to Sammy.
Photographs were taken with an older Nikon point and shoot digital camera….the fist photograph Sammy remained by the back door….the second he felt a little more comfortable and moved away from the door, thrid image he actually left the patio and was even closer to the other dogs. Soon after the last photo was taken I brought Sammy in for his afternoon nap….he is curled up, sound a sleep. Maybe one day they can be friends….or not, they just need to behave.
Keep your dogs playful and active, especially well into the senior years…Oh….and know that obedience training is for the life of the dog and can be a fun way to spend time together.
