Dogs and puppies
When the older dogs sniff the puppy, it will squirm with delight, sometimes squeaking. Some dogs remain submissive all their lives. Our senior Jack Russell, Biddy, had an endearing habit of submitting to people in her ‘pack’ all her life.
Roxy is never happier than when she is carrying a ball, and if she can manage to fit two in her mouth, she is even more delighted. She will not relinquish her prize to another dog, only to a human. While Gilbert may sometimes be distracted from the task of retrieval, Roxy is fully engaged and always knows where a flung ball has landed, often pointing it out to Gilbert.
However, when she met Max, she dropped her ball and allowed him to play with it. Well-bred, properly-socialised adult dogs recognise and understand the needs of puppies. We have been fortunate to have had a number of puppies, and it is heart-warming to see an adult dog gently playing with a young puppy.
To the inexperienced it may look and sound dangerous. There is a lot of play growling and mouthing, huge adult jaws enveloping tiny snouts, the puppy being allowed liberties no adult dog could enjoy.
Should the puppy become too boisterous, the adult will discipline it, firmly and so quickly that a human may miss the reprimand. Nonetheless, just as humans need a break and a rest from the insistent demands of toddlers, so should dogs be respected and the puppy removed to a safe place for a nap after a period of play.
That's a great dog behavior post. Yes to all of it. Sometimes I've observed big dogs yielding gently to adult small breed dogs as if they were puppies and I wonder if they're puzzled, or just thinking they may as well in case it's a pup.
ReplyDeleteVery small dogs can be quite feisty, so big dogs may well play safe, to avoid a punctured nose.
DeleteWhat a series of heartwarming photos!
ReplyDelete🐶😊
DeleteWell who knew? Apart from you, I mean.
ReplyDelete🤣😂
DeleteJoyful.
ReplyDeleteFun, too.
DeleteLovely animals!
ReplyDeleteThey all were - just Roxy and Gilbert, now.
DeleteLove all these pictures. Happy memories for you.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. They make us smile.
DeleteI've never had more than one dog at a time, so this is all learning for me, though I may never need it.
ReplyDeleteAh, you never know . . .
DeleteGus is handsome, intelligent and big. Puppy Bertie is small, yet seems to trust Big Gus totally. That trust is delightful.
ReplyDeleteGus was such a superb dog, as gentle as a lamb.
DeletePersonal experience born out by family photos (and a good undetstanding of and respect for the canine family members clearly). Scully does tummy for humans but never other dogs and can get quite ansty about younger dogs 'checking her out'. She's only 6 years but a local tells me she was happy-go-lucky until someone ran her over (pinned back leg as a result) and she is much more guarded and defensive since then.
ReplyDeleteOh, poor Scully - that's enough to dent anyone's confidence. Trust has to be relearnt.
DeleteSo sweet, and gentle.
ReplyDeleteWe have been very lucky.
DeleteThere is something wonderful about a happy, well socialised, well loved dog at all stages of their life.
ReplyDeleteTrue, and there's something very sad about a homeless dog.
DeleteEnjoyed all the pictures. Nothing quite like a puppy
ReplyDeletePuppie4s grow up so quickly, almost as you watch them.
DeleteIt is amazing how dogs are so social to each other. If they're in
ReplyDeleteDogs are pack animals, and cats aren't.
DeleteIf only all dog owners were as knowledgeable as you are.
ReplyDeleteWe are learning all the time. Even after a life of dogs, there's always something new or unexpected.
DeleteNever having owned a dog I found this very interesting, if only all dog owners were as knowledgeable as you.
ReplyDeleteAll younger family members who now have dogs have attended dog obedience classes, which has been helpful ...
I did enjoy the photographs you've shared.
It is very windy today! Just as forecast!
Have a good day and week ahead.
All the best Jan
Well done to your dog-owning family members - very responsible.
Delete'Tis windy here, too, but so far still sunny. (12:30)
Lovely dog photos!
ReplyDeleteWe've probably got more photographs of animals than people . . . animals can't escape the lens!
DeleteLovely photos.
ReplyDeleteApologies for asking but I know you are experienced in dog care - for the first time , this summer, our Labrador Jas ( 5 this year ) has had terribly itchy skin, in particular groin/belly and 'pits' . Vets say it's seasonal allergies, but even though we're well into September there is no let up for her as yet. My old yorkie (R.i.p.) had this sort of thing most of her adult life and took the very expensive and dubious Apoquel........we really don't want Jas to go down that route. Most of the summer she's been on Piriton, although I hated giving her that! We keep the area clean and have used Peptivet foam, which gives some relief to Jas albeit temporary.
Have any of your dogs suffered with this and what did you do?
Again, sorry, I've rather gone on about it, but I'm at my wits end.
Alison in Devon x
We've not had that problem with our dogs, but agree with you that seasonal allergies should not still be affecting poor Jas.
DeleteHas it got worse since you moved from Wales? If it has, it could be environmental - a local irritant of some sort.
Has her diet changed? Does she eat a commercial diet? We've found that we've had to adjust diets for our dogs, if recipes have changed.
Some ingredients are just 'fillers' and of no use.
Some dogs are sensitive to ingredients like rosemary ot wheat or soy or even chicken.
I'm sorry I can't be more helpful, Alison. I hope you find an answer. I do wonder if the Yumove supplement/s might help in the interim. Good luck!
https://yumove.co.uk/pages/skin-coat-care
Thank you for your kind reply Janice. Yes, it's come on since we moved from Wales, I think it might be associated with grasses.
DeleteHer diet is the same, although I am thinking about changing it but will proceed with caution. I'll let you know how she goes on x
Alison x
😊
DeletePuppies really make themselves at home!!
ReplyDeleteThey really do. (Can you tell I'm besotted??)
DeleteI learned some interesting things about dog behavior.
ReplyDelete. . . and then a dog will come along and prove everything to the contrary!
ReplyDeleteWhile I grew up surrounded by cats, I love dogs, too, and perfectly get the need to see them as very different from cats and humans. I often despair of dogowners who haven‘t got a clue and let their dog(s) run rings around them with the full understanding that the dog is the leader, not the human, up to the point those people can’t handle the animal(s) any longer and they end up in a shelter - if they are lucky.
ReplyDeleteYou are knowledgeable, and the way you present the relationship between adult dogs and puppies is great. Thank you!
We are still learning . . .
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ReplyDeleteSorry ... butterfingers :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat handsome and well-educated dogs they all are/were! xxx
We have been lucky to have had some really splendid dogs.
DeleteI am impressed with all of this and with your knowledge of dogs. some of this I had heard but most of it is news to me..
ReplyDeleteWe seem to relearn it with each new dog and every dog is different.
DeleteI've never seen the interaction between a puppy and an adult dog. This is just so sweet.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful and heartwarming to witness.
DeleteI went to see retriever puppies last night. Elder Son is thinking of getting one so I insisted I should go along too. I could have brought them all home!
ReplyDeleteDangerous visit! Choosing just one is almost impossible.
DeleteSweet pups! I would be very happy to be able to play with them.
ReplyDeleteThey love/d people.
ReplyDelete