Do you have a soft spot for a certain gender?

[SWHouston]

Originally Posted by navillusc

That is just the cutest thing! How sweet is Becca to do that? I love it!

To see those things happen is amazing, but, just think...

Becca (and apparently yours too) actually showed compassion !!
That's getting pretty darn close to "self awareness"

Then the second part of that act...
She used her influence/friendship (call it manipulation if you want) toward her Alpha Male, to divert his anger/feelings. This was NOT the usual "growl in defense", issue, but a calculated action. She knew she could intervene, and did so with grace and confidence !

I'm not thinking that MY DOGS are so special...not at all.
We hear of these type actions frequently. People wonder why we treat our guys like our children. If they only knew how special the connection can be, and the joy of that experience, there would be no Shelters, and no need for Rescue.

[Lap Princess]

Originally Posted by SWHouston

To see those things happen is amazing, but, just think...

Becca (and apparently yours too) actually showed compassion !!
That's getting pretty darn close to "self awareness"

Then the second part of that act...
She used her influence/friendship (call it manipulation if you want) toward her Alpha Male, to divert his anger/feelings. This was NOT the usual "growl in defense", issue, but a calculated action. She knew she could intervene, and did so with grace and confidence !

I'm not thinking that MY DOGS are so special...not at all.
We hear of these type actions frequently. People wonder why we treat our guys like our children. If they only knew how special the connection can be, and the joy of that experience, there would be no Shelters, and no need for Rescue.

I totally believe dogs are capable of/have self-awareness. The burden is on us humans to detect, understand, measure that, and learn how to deal with it. Also, I think your pack dynamics are probably very normal and typical. You just happen to discern it from that point of view. Many people don't have that understanding.

[SWHouston]

Originally Posted by Lap Princess

I totally believe dogs are capable of/have self-awareness. The burden is on us humans to detect, understand, measure that, and learn how to deal with it. Also, I think your pack dynamics are probably very normal and typical. You just happen to discern it from that point of view. Many people don't have that understanding.

Your kind words are greatly appreciated...

The "burden" you speak of is the problem. I don't think the human race (present company accepted) is ready or willing to accept any competition in that area. Dogs are really SO much like children. I've said frequently that I "let them be Dogs", and I think that removing the constraints which Humans generally impose on them, lets them "grow". And I believe that recognizing that the environment of the Pack, is their natural arena for that growth.

[MyDearSam]

Originally Posted by Teresa Ford

* I have read a lot lately about waiting to spay and neuter until a dog is sexually mature. Several studies conclude it is better for bones, teeth, organs and personality development. My Vet has convinced me it is a real advantage to wait until Yorkies are at least 1 year of age.

Teresa, would you mind pointing folks in the direction of some of this reading material? I'm currently in the middle of a debate with someone regarding the age of alteration. I too believe that it's better to wait (and my vet agrees also); the other person is old school and thinks it should be done by 6 months. I want something more fact based than opinion to show her.