[Jkpal]

Piper has come a long way since coming into my life and the ways in which she's progressed make me so very happy. Piper will now not only look me in the eye, but will actually 'stare me down' and that little direct gaze of hers means everything to me. She know longer tries to dart out the door, as I believe she has come to know that she is safely home. She is just now learning to sit--a biggie because early on any gentle 'command' caused her to lower her head and retreat under couch. And when inside, she comes when I call. Which brings me to the question, is Piper a rarity in that when she's outside, backyard, park, etc., she will often (not always) turn a deaf ear to me? Nothing, but nothing I say; no sound I make, no bribe, no threat, no loud demand, no soft cajoling--NOTHING I do gets a response. It's like I don't exist. I no longer take this behavior personally (which caused me tears and insecurity at times), but am curious as to whether or not anyone else has experienced the same behavior/attitude with your canine. As I said, I'm delighted with Piper--all she's become and all those little Piper-isms that make her unique. The ol' unconditional love thing--or as my mom would say, "Love her warts and all..." My, my how I do go on...