The Evolution of the Dog Yard

Brushing duties were enforce last night. I decided to save my office floors from the furry experience that they have been subject to over and over since it started getting warm. Hermes was really needing a good brushing and since his coat was coming out so easily I was able to take out just about all of it. I will watch him later on as his neck fur sheds out and his hind legs. Those areas are usually the last to go. Griffin is still holding onto his...

But since Hermes is so shy and very sensitive to any part of his surroundings he learned another level of trust last night. Its hard to relax with babies running all around, males posturing every so often and gruff comments from me to keep the peace while the boys circled around each other hackles up. Ichabod was a bit of a pest as I was finishing up. Ive never seen his back so fully up in defense. I had no idea what started it but since I didn't hear a scuffle I suspect he was trying to work his way in for some extra brushing.

Remus took offense to this and kept him at bay which in turn put Spock on edge towards Remus and all three were having their own separate standoffs until I said something. Fortunately Mercury, who is extremely jealous of my attention, stayed out of it and remained in his house. Meanwhile all Hermes wanted was to get out of the way in case something were to start but after I brushed him again he started to calm down. The other boys did too after Ichabod realized no one was going to open a hole for him to come closer and moved on.

It was so amazing to see the dynamics of all the dogs as they settled in and even more amazing to learn about Remus through his continued interaction with me. I couldn't quite understand this guy when he first came here... he always wanted to be near me, always desperately desiring my attention, leaving me with confusion over why this could be. The only thing I can figure is that he didn't get enough attention as a pup and now is flat out desperate for contact.

Hes learning the rules of when to approach me and when not to but when he had his turn at brushing last night, oh lord, was he in HEAVEN!

I could tell it was just what he wanted and while his first few lessons of brushing a few days ago on how to sit still, that the brush could feel really good if he relaxed were a little hard to pick up. This time around I could tell he was trying really hard to remember what worked so I wouldnt turn him away. Since hes nearing the end of his shed he will have to be turned away more often as the other dogs get my attention but hes learning that as well.

When I was brushing Hermes, who's turn it was right after Remus, I had to push Remus away quite forcefully before he realized his time was up. Remus, always thinking of ways to get closer to me, laid his head on Hermes back and gazed up hoping his eye contact would change my mind and give him his turn back. When that didn't work he pawed Hermes as if he was trying to get him to move but did so in the most loving way...

After a while he gave up and laid down a few feet away which prompted Hera to lay down close to him which was followed by Gemini who laid down next to Hera. Aquila was not far away, as always, as we slowly developed a sort of powwow around Hermes. It was a feeling that Ive rarely experienced in the dog yard before with so many of the dogs jockeying for a higher status. Seems like all are knowing their place right now and being very content to remain within it. I hope this ease lasts a long, long time though I know its probably limited as the babies are growing, developing and will start working through their own pack hierarchy.

Last night Hera was incredibly jealous that Remus wanted my attention so badly. I can clearly see that she is desperate to claim him as her life-mate and most of the time he is happy to oblige. But there are times when he wishes she would leave him alone so he can monopolize his time with me.

Hera is very protective if I have to put Remus in his place she is always right there in case he needs defending. Which I have to then put her in her place and remind her that the discipline still comes from me, that I will not be challenged and that our rule of no dog interceding in the enforcement of the rules is still in place.

I learn lessons through the dogs every day, discover new insights on life and Hera showed me another facet of the nobility of dogs that night. She is there to defend him, no question but when he comes to me for attention she does not go into jealously mode (as humans sometimes tend to do) and direct anger towards the other party. Instead she focuses more intently on Remus and tries desperately to change his mind about wanting to be with me. Its such a pure and honest reaction that isn't misguided in the least...