Spirit may have lost his puppy license tonight
 

He's been taking things away from Daisy, my 12-year old golden retriever, for some time now -- toys, food, anything he can. She's been so patient and tolerant. This evening, Spirit tried to take the bone she was chewing on and she gave him a bloody nose. He cried :wub: Afterwards, he stayed behind the coffee table and just watched her.

I think tonight may have been a turning point for the two of them. This is the first time Daisy has ever corrected him like this. She's been the best mentor for him, I couldn't have asked for better.

Spirit's being very quiet this evening now. I think he's reflecting on the meaning of it all. Growing up, serious business :)

Just...as an fyi...I'd never give a high value item like that when both dogs were together.

If I did that here, we'd never get them apart...! You may need to crate when high value treats are given and keep things picked up from now on.

Rules are hard. :D Not all the toys are mine; is an especially tough lesson for a pup. First time Buddy told Ivan he sulked for 2 days but now he has learned that not all things are shared equally.

Daisy must have finally had enough. We have been introducing our two to my mother in laws 3 month old pup. Tuke will correct Ranger, sometimes very firmly, Zoey will to some degree, but she'll usually look to us, like do something with it please.

Daisy sounds like a great teacher.

I agree Daisy sounds like a great mentor/teacher. I've read that there comes a time when puppydom antics are no longer accepted by an adult dog. Probably just reaching that stage. They grow up so fast. :::tear:::

Sweet story c:

I'm very careful about things like this. This wasn't a fresh bone, it had been in the toy basket for a week, they've both been chewing on it on and off but it's lost most of it's "high" value now. I do separate them when I give fresh bones.

I think this was an important lesson for Spirit. Daisy didn't over-correct him, it wasn't a dog fight by any means. I haven't seen anything from these two that would give me concern that they'd get into a real fight. Spirit is much too accommodating for that, and Daisy -- well, Daisy might be too old now to fight. Not sure about that, but maybe. I'll keep a close eye on them, always do. We're a peaceful family here, we all get along. I won't let that change.

I saw Daisy in another thread (I think the what other breed you have thread?). Beautiful. I'm partial to long haired dogs but I can barely maintain my long haired cat so I wouldn't get one. How old is Spirit?

Spirit is 7 months. Definitely no shortage of dog hair in my life -- she's blowing her coat right now.

Thank you, Zeeva :hug:

Oh boy I've a husky who just finished blowing his coat...I'm lucky I can get away with not brushing him (he doesn't mat because his hair is short) but the amount of hair when I do brush him or clean the house can build another husky puppy into our life :D

and yup. Spirit is almost reaching the adulthood stage :D