Can't believe Cassie's been here almost a week.
She and Mani are working out the pack hierarchy still.
Mani has a tendency to body-slam her to the ground a lot outside. It's getting better inside.
I tell you though, with the body slamming skill Mani and Cassie
exhibit, I wish I could teach them to roller skate. They could
star in their own Roller Derby team. LOL!
My theory with Mani's behavior is that he's jealously guarding Don and
me as "resources."
Gotta convince him that he will get no less love because we have a new
family member. I also am not too worried about this pack-order
stuff because Mani doesn't show real aggressive stuff like lip curls...
just bratty boisterousness. His vocalizations don't sound angry
or aggressive either as a rule.
Somewhat complicating matters is the fact that Mani is
in heavy puppy coat blow and is basically a mat factory right now. We
spend an hour or so each night at the grooming table working out as
much as we can. Saturday, I will try to clear him up and give him a
bath and heavy cream rinse. He's pretty dirty and a dirty coat will
tend to mat more.
And the behavior is getting better inside. After a little
"discussion" over who gets what chewie, they tend to mellow out and
settle down. The one picture here shows them at some distance
from one another; I've seen them much closer and getting along.
Tricker is working out meals and exercise/training schedules.
We'll leave that discussion for another post because I'm tired right
now and have to go do other things. Stay tuned. =)