Where are the days going? The week just literally flew by and it’s Friday again and already. Why are our canine kids (Corgi kids) so absolutely forgiving and lovable? It takes relatively little to make them happy and still I manage to disappoint them and myself. To just say the word “ball” sparks a whole new life in them and makes them so incredibly happy. So why then do I miss our play time, sometimes? Last night – working away and look up at the window to see that it’s dark already! Ugh. We didn’t play ball. I’m so sorry boyz =(
Today is Flashback Friday on Cody the Codester who is no stranger to a camera. He had a camera in his face minutes after we brought him home and introduced him to our existing family and pack – Alpha (Dockers) and Beta (Nikita). I’m not sure how Cody fits in. He is definitely accepted, but he’s neither an alpha or beta – and most definitely not an omega. He helps keep things light and can provoke play by either Dockers or Nikita. He’ll be two (ALREADY), next month but still has that happy, go-lucky, pounce on you puppy demeanor. His ears still slightly flop when he’s running hard and although that may not be the “prime corgi characterstic” I love it and I hope he doesn’t loose that.
Cody looks scared, but it was all good.
Our alpha and beta look on to reassure him he’s welcome (3/2008).
Docker’s, our alpha, formal introduction (3/2008).
Followed by our nurturing beta, Nikita (3/2008).
It’s an exciting time when you’re introducing a new member. There are, of course, stresses that come along with it. What if they just don’t fit in? Maybe something sensed by the older members, especially if the newbie had a traumatized past and displays lack of confidence. We haven’t been faced with those challenges. It’s such a change in routine and comfort for awhile when there’s a new kid.
- They don’t know your routine
- They may not speak your language (simple things like “come” their name, etc.)
- Feeding time
- Jealousies
- Reassuring existing kids
- Crate and/or potty training!
the list goes on…
Having a new puppy, you just want to hold them all the time and snuggle them – but how about the older members? They can feel displaced. We started to see problems with Dockers and Nikita – not issues with Cody, but they started fighting eachother and we can only surmize that there was tension building due to their confidence of their place with us. It was totally our bad and lack of enough empathy, even though we thought we were covering all the bases. This is another reason I feel that playing a group game that we all participate in, like ball or taking walks, is so important for that bonding with them and with eachother.
Daylight Savings this weekend…we fall back so we gain a whole lovely hour! Have a fun but safe Halloween evening and great weekend =)
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Note: In many of my posts I’ll make mention to Alpha and Beta…if you’re not familiar with these terms in the context of referring to a pack’s hierarchy, there’s an excellent documentary from Jim & Jamie Dutcher called “Living With Wolves/Wolves At Our Door“. It’s definitely a must see. Beautiful story, mission and cinematography – you’ll fall in love with the Dutcher’s work and the Sawtooth pack.
