Re: [PyrNet-L] CHAT: Albert & Mattie havin' fun; slime withd

[Stephanie W <srwhitney@earthlink.net>]

We have four dogs, 2 poodle/sheltie littermates who are 14 years old, a 10 year
old Australian Shepherd, a 2 year old Irish Wolfhound (and we're waiting for
our first Pyr).  The littermates have always been inseparable and entertain and
groom each other a lot, but have always wanted my attention as well.  All of
the dogs seem to take turns wanting to be near me and getting my attention and
my sons' when they are around.  Sometimes it's pretty funny.  As one climbs
down from the sofa next to me to get a drink or go outside, another one is
passing him climbing up to take his place. Since I work, I think it's better
for them to have each other's company when I'm not around, and I don't feel any
less important to them when I am there.  After all, I'm the one with opposable
thumbs who can turn can openers and doorknobs.  That's pretty impressive! <G>

Stephanie

Steven K Slusser wrote:

>      Could some of the folks who have more than 1 dog respond:
>
>      Do the dogs eventually reconnect with their human counterparts or when
>      you add a second dog or more, does the "pack" mentality take over?  By
>      this I mean, even tho we are stilled viewed as alpha, is that
>      closeness that was once there gone for good?
>
>      I'd heard a similar comment from someone who dogsat for a neighbor for
>      a week also.  The first day was great.  The dogs played, and played,
>      and played ....  By the end of the week tho, they were ready to NOT
>      keep two dogs.  The had been thinking about getting a second dog for
>      quite a while, then when they "lost" the bond they'd had, which was
>      very strong with their dog, they knew that they are now a one dog
>      family.  Just curious if this is what normally happens once additional
>      dogs are brought into the house.
>
>      Steve
>      Peoria, IL
>