ALEX, the Bodeguero cross

A

Aitch

Location
Buckinghamshire UK
Alex seems to have entered a pseudo-adolescence. Sometimes he'll just look at me rather than do as asked or do something he knows he shouldn't whilst looking at me. He is definitely kicking at fences but that's ok because he just needs to know they will hold up. I'm handling this by being cheeky with him but still getting the results I want. For example he refused his recalls by strutting his stuff and looking at me this morning so I laughed (couldn't do otherwise, it was so funny) and started eating his cheese. He was sitting at my feet in no time. He came back ok after that.
His muscle tone looks great. He has a lovely shiny coat and bright, shiny eyes so I'm not worried about his general health but something about his mouth is nagging at the back of my mind so I'm going to make a vet's appointment to get his teeth checked.
He has claimed a lion stuffie as his own and carries it around for a good part of the day, sometimes sleeping with it. It's very sweet to see. The lion has lost part of it's face under Amber's ministrations but now seems very safe with Alex. :)
He still tries to chase the cats sometimes the bribing him like mad when they enter a room has had a good effect in that he won't chase them nearly as much as he did. The cats are getting lots of cuddles and treats too.
He and Amber are the best friends ever now but I am pleased to see that they are both happy to be independent as well. They will drift apart at times and go and do their own things and seek each other out again later. I have had dogs, in the past, who just couldn't be apart happily and made separating for any reason very difficult.
This little man makes me smile. :)
 
A

Aitch

Location
Buckinghamshire UK
Today Alex climbed into OH's lap and curled up for a sleep. This is the first time he's done that so I warned OH that if he moved there would be dire consequences! He slept quite happily and woke up, gave OH a couple of licks and wandered off out for a pee. This is quite a breakthrough as he has always been a bit wary around men. Grown son is very tall and broad so he is still a bit wary around him but I was so pleased to see this happen today. :)
 
A

Aitch

Location
Buckinghamshire UK
I think Alex has finally realised he is here to stay. I know dogs don't think like that but he has settled in and is now a different dog. He is loving and gentle now. He still gives me the odd nip when he is over excited but it is nothing like as bad as when he first arrived. His resource guarding has settled down to the odd warning growl when Amber is being a complete dick and he now sleeps curled up between OH and I. It is wonderful to see how he has changed from a frenetic, biting hurricane into a loving, much calmer and more confident little person.
He has also learned to make us laugh. He likes hearing laughter and will do silly little things whilst looking at us. He is slightly better with the cats too. He loves his walks and has learnt to swim now. I have also got his recall back on track. :rolleyes:
He still has a problem with tall men sometimes but just comes to OH or I as if we are his safe place.
This little chap is coming along so well. He is a real little character.:love:
 
snowbunny

snowbunny

Location
Andorra and Spain
Oh, @Aitch, that brought a tear to my eye, what a lovely thing to read! I knew it might not be easy in the transition, so well done to you for going the distance and helping him feel as secure as he obviously does now. He sounds so relaxed that he's found his place and his people, and that's all I ever wanted for this young man. Thank you so much for giving him the chance and being so patient with him.

:inlove:
 
Stacia

Stacia

Location
Malvern Worcestershire
Yes, it is the most lovely thing to read and he seems to have such a character if he has learned how to make you laugh which he loves. My heart aches to think what might have been his life and now he has the best of lives a dog could have :sun:
 
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