Thursday, March 31, 2011

Everyone Working Toward A Common Goal

When it became clear that we were going to adopt Duke, I became fully prepared for having a period of time where Duke would need to adjust to his new humans, baby sister and his new home. I wasn't sure exactly what that would entail, or what he would require, but I knew that we would do whatever we needed to do to make him feel just how welcome he was to our family. What I wasn't anticipating was how short that time period would be, or how well I would handle the blending of both dogs.

The first 24-48 hours that Duke was with us, he was very reluctant to play with my bouncing, energetic and somewhat rude Lucy. Not being entirely sure how to handle this situation, I sought the advice of those who had been there and done this before. The advice that I got was golden, and I implemented the advice exactly as I was instructed to do; I just wanted everyone to get along! (I also learned a couple of things, remind me to do a post about "rude" dogs!)

Our challenges went something like this: Lucy would jump all over Duke, wiggle her bottom and beg him to play with her. Duke was rather unsure of us and his surroundings and he would let out several little growls telling Lucy to "back off". Lucy didn't take him very seriously, and things would escalate. There was no damage done because although Duke did not want to play with Lucy, he had no intention of hurting her. His words could get pretty harsh though, and Lucy wasn't exactly muttering sweet nothings in Dukes ears either. The whole thing sounded 10 times worse that what it actually was. All I knew was that it made me a wreck and was no good for the ultimate goal of having peace and harmony between my two boxers.

I became very alert to Duke's signals, and when he would look pleadingly at me and let out that little growl, I would pull Lucy away from him and make her sit. If she would return to Duke and refuse to leave him alone, I would separate the two dogs giving Lucy a chance to cool off and give Duke a bit of a break.

Of course, I was also paying close attention to Lucy's signals. When she would start bouncing all over the place and making those silly little "I'm feeling wild!" sounds, I did my best to distract her, or remove her from the situation.

I wondered how long this would go on, if Lucy would eventually get it and if Duke would eventually show us his silly boxer side and start playing with Lucy.

I got the answer to my question on Monday night. Lucy grabbed her jolly ball and started running around Duke with the ball. For the first couple of minutes, Duke ignored my silly little Lucy, but that only lasted a short time. Before I even knew what was going on, I had not one, but two boxers ripping around the house engaged in wild and delightful boxer play! I couldn't have been happier, and I'm pretty sure that Lucy shared my sentiments! It's been that way ever since, Lucy and Duke constantly at play!

I missed out on getting pictures of Lucy and Duke engaging in their first romp because I left my camera at work. But, you can be sure that I won't be forgetting my camera again any time soon because you just never know whats going to happen in my house with 2 boxers running around!

16 comments:

  1. We picked up my foster sister on Sunday, and just last night she started playing tug with me and running around the back yard with me! The adjustment period is always a little nerve wracking, but I'm glad everything worked out!
    -Corbin

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  2. I can see they will be best friends in no time!

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  3. Great photos... and glad to hear things are going well. As for the dog beds, I never said they're always full... we have that same problem with humans falling out of their bed as well! ha ha

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  4. What great news & advice. We'll remember in case I get to get a brother or sister this summer!

    Nubbin wiggles,
    Oskar

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  5. When I first brought Chico home, he seemed to fit in instantly. Unfortunately, my two chi's don't play together much. They love and adore each other out in the backyard but when they come in the house, they don't want much to do with one another. It's really kind of weird!

    I remember bringing Shiver home though and at that time, I had an elderly dog and an older cat. That definitely took some adjusting!

    Sounds like you did everything just right.

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  6. We are so glad that you guys are playing and being silly together! We are like that ALL the time and it's the best...you will miss each other like crazy in no time when the other one isn't around for whatever reason like the two of us do now!
    Wags,
    Maddy and Owen

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  7. YaY fur all of you!

    WOofs and Licks,
    Maggie Mae

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  8. so cool seeing you guys play. When I came here from Pittsburgh Lily told meto leave or else. Now we love each other
    Benny & Lily

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  9. Looks like they enjoy each other now!

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  10. Lucy and Calhoun would fight under the kitchen table which led to me getting bitten on my hand-by accident. THAT was the last time they had a spat. Lucy is a little "growly" anyway. Calhoun could walk past her crate and she would growl. He had to learn to sort of ignore her. Just like people, they have their own personalities. Now they love each other to pieces and he is VERY protective of her. She grooms him. Boxer love is so very special!

    Mamma Heartbeat

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  11. Tug-0f-war...that's a sure sign of camaraderie!

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  12. In time it all works out, and we can see it is!
    love
    tweedles

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  13. We are so behind on our blog reading, we just found out about Duke now! Congratulations! We can't wait to read more about Lucy and her new big brudder.

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  14. So glad they've learned to play together-but who could refuse Lucy for very long?!

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  15. They are just too darn cute together!

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  16. Luke and Lucy look like they are having so much fun already!

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