Madison gave Jack a ball we bought for him. Now, he has absolutely no idea what toys are - to him, its just a thing and he leaves it right where it is. He was curled up in his spot, the ball right on the edge of his bed (did I mention I found a doggie bed more his size that fits in his chosen place of rest?). Didn't move the ball or disturb it in anyway. Like, "okay, whatever."
He's also making it VERY clear that he does NOT prefer to be in the x-pen (and I'm sure that would apply to a crate as well). I feed him in there - especially if I'm not staying in the room to watch him eat. I don't want any of the other dogs to get his food - I believe Jack would just let them (and they don't need it! :). I hear this jingle, scratch, scratch, jingle. I'm thinking Pippen is pushing from the outside to try to snag some loose bits of food. So, I call for her, but she's right next to me!
It's Jack. He's done with the food. Done with his water and he wants back out. He leaves, goes to his bed and lays back down. :D Brandon was watching him tear up the cardboard we have as a base layer "just in case" - evidently Jack has little patience when he wants out! (In thinking, and I am my grandmother's granddaughter with what I call genetic worry-wort-syndrome, I'm worried he'd be a digger - not holes in the ground. In other words, if I let him into the dog yard, I'm thinking he would dig to get out; or if he were in an outdoor fenced kennel, etc.)
He is really liking being on the long line. I think maybe it gives him a feeling of a little more freedom. He does just great when I guide him back closer. He also is coming to me fairly well when I let him have the full line, then call him. However, no matter where he's at, I wouldn't try this without him on a line. Period. Not even in an enclosed dog park. While he does come in that situation, every time he is walked, he heads towards the woods. Trees, brush, etc., are his comfort zone. Its what he's know. It will take a long time, a lot of patience and love, before his comfort zone is similar to what we feel (a house).
He is also starting to take a few steps out of the bedroom. At this point, I believe it is his telling me he has to make a pit stop - which is good. It means he recognizes it, so can tell his forever mom and dad when he needs to be outside. He is paying more attention - ears alert, head tilted, as I talk to him.
I brought him out of the room and further through the house to the kitchen today. I had a female guest over. He didn't even seem phased by her, but he was shaking just from not being in his space. Just time and patience. My Galadriel was similar, but different, and it took well over a year before she would approach a stranger. She is still super jumpy at sudden noises and movements, but now loves to go for car rides and play.
Jack is currently crashed in his spot (go figure). I'll be up early to take him for a walk and maybe spend some time out in the open before my granddaughter wakes up. I wish he was food motivated - she LOVES to feed the dogs (her dinner)!
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