Moving Forward

This past week has just been awesome for Jack - he will still back off (we've had some door incidents with him trying to get out - which is fine because we don't let him by the door without a leash out - BUT, my pushy Berner girl, Pippin, tries to sneak out, too).

BUT he's spent more time than not when we're around in the living room - he seems to prefer it to be quiet and slightly darkened...he'll tolerate the TV.  I had a guest over Thursday night and Jack laid right next to my friend's feet on the floor - he stayed there the whole night! (Jack, not my friend. ;).  Not sure why - there was a perfectly good dog bed in my room but he chose the hardwood floors!  He's been stretching out a little more, too, though while out here...another good sign for contentment.

Saturday we spent a lot of time outside cutting and stacking firewood. As it was nice and we were outside to keep an eye on him, we put Jack on the tie out so he could enjoy the beautiful day.  And, he did.  Until we went in for a while.  Jack will enjoy being on a line, he may even explore a little, but once his people leave his sight for too long, he gets very anxious.

We observed him while outside simply laying down or sitting, his ears were VERY perked and he looked happy. When we went in to clean up and start dinner, I kept checking out the window to keep an eye.  Once we had been in for several minutes (at least ten), Jack started pacing back and forth and looking towards the house...he wasn't seeing what was in the trees and brush north of him...he wondered where we went.  As soon as we brought him in, he settled right down where he could see/hear us.

Jack will very definitely attach to someone - but I don't know if he will ever show the full affection of a dog who was raised and socialized well from a young age. He still has not wagged his tail - I know the up and down action works and it is a great indicator of his mood.  As he has sat on my feet and near me (and I even got a Berner lean out of him...well, he's not a Bernese Mountain Dog, but they're notorious for knocking over their people by leaning on them), he does approach, and seems to even seek chin scratching. This tells me he has affection, he just in unsure of how to express it. I think observing my other dogs has been helping him, but I don't know if a mellow friend who is socialized would help or not.  Definitely dedication, a lot of love and patience, and understanding that he may never express the "kind" of love most people think their dogs should show (wagging tails, licking faces, jumping on them in excitement, play bow, etc.)