Wilson and his soon to be doggie roomie

A few of you know that I'm taking a Library technician diploma (shocking I know considering my poor grammar lol) and for a part of this program I have to spend a month working in a library to gain hands on experience. So what did I do? I decided to pick a library out of town. My friends that live there have offered me a room to stay in AND I can bring my Willy-billy with me. They also have a cat and a dog.

Meet Dexter, a 3 and a half year old poodle mix.

Wilson and Dexter have meet a few times before, Dexter has been over at the house and is an honorary member of the Woofle Pack- meaning whenever he's in town with his owners they come out with us to the dog park.



I foresee a lot of work considering Wilson has dog issues, but aside from Cookie I know that Dexter is the next best dog to use in regards to Wilson. Dexter just doesn't care if Wilson's barking in his face or not, he just wants to play and if Wilson doesn't want to play then he'll go off and do his own thing. I know this cause of a few times when Dexter was over at our house, aside from Wilson barking at him lots nothing else happened.

Since Wilson will be moving into Dexters home though I have been reading up on how to introduce dogs that have dog issues just in case. I figure that I would be prepared and do this the right way,because even if Dexters go with the flow at my house doesn't mean he will be in his.

Anyways, the following is what I plan on doing to make sure things go as smoothly as possible and leave both dogs with good experiences.

• When I get there I'll take both dogs on a walk to get them reacquainted with each other on neutral ground.
• I'll let Wilson explore the house without Dexter around so he can look about this strange new setting.
• I plan on bringing baby gates to use to separate them so they can see,hear and smell each other but not touch.
• Wilson will be staying in my room when I am not home, there will be no dog to dog interaction if I'm not there to supervise.
• I plan on keeping a leash on Wilson once the baby gates are down so that way I have some control by holding onto the leash. That way if I can see a problem about to start I can pick up the leash and walk away from Dexter with Wilson. The leash will be removed if Wilson/Dexter behaves.
• I'll remove all items that they can fight over such food or much beloved toys from the area where they will be when together.
• And of course reward good behavior and habits from both dogs!
  

If you have any more suggestions for what I should do or if you think there might be a problem with one of my strategies then please let me know. Even if its a story from your experience with doggie meetings! I just want this to work out as best as possible for both dogs!

Cookie the Dalmatian = Wilson's Doggie Crush

For those new followers (I love you, thank you for thinking our blog is worth following!) I have to repeat that Wilson does not like dogs, or strangers. That's why I'm pretty sure his little doggie heart starts to race with love, respect and whatever else when Cookie comes around.

This here is Cookie, a ten year old Dalmatian Mix.

What a character I tell ya. She's part of the little pack of friends and their dogs that I like to refer to as the Woofles Pack. She's the eldest and currently the largest in the group, and boy does she know how to treat dogs and people. She's always willing to let people pet her and share the news with other dogs. Cookie also knows how to treat a fear aggressive dog. She does this thing where she will completely ignored Wilson until he calms down and then lets him smell her over carefully as she 'ignores' him. So far it has worked wonders for him! He's gotten to the point that when Cookies around he's more willing to come out of his shell and romp about, almost play with other dogs even! He loves to follow her every where and shows off when she's around.

We joke that he likes the older more experienced ladies XD.

If I ever needed proof of how much he respects and loves the older dog, then the last time I was with Cookie and her owner in the last few days of snow free weather would be such an example. Cookies owner walked back to toss out a poo bag and Cookie trotted after her. I sat there watching as Wilson followed a few feet behind. He went farther then I have ever seen him go from my side and I was interested to see just how daring my pup was so I stayed where I stood. He would keep looking back at me with a pathetic look and then bark at Cookie.... Maybe telling her to wait for him or come back? She of course ignored him and went her merry way. Wilson finally gave up and sat down (I like to think that there was a 'Ploop' sound when he did). Clearly he went as far as he dared and he waited until Cookie and her owner started back and then feel in behind them.

I was shocked, jaw dropping shocked. hahahaha maybe even a little jealous of Cookie and whatever Wilson feels for her. Is that strange to say? LOL! But really I'm glad that there's a dog that Wilson can get that attached too, its one of those life balancing steps that I was looking for!

Anyways, I'll shut up and share a few pictures I had taken of Wilson following Cookie around the few times we have been to the park. Enjoy!

(For those of you wondering why Wilson is wearing a leash, its because his recall is not the greatest yet. Especially at the dog park so the leash helps give me something to grab if he gets that crazy running look in his eyes!)

Wilson and The Woofles Pack: Dog Park Day

Mom would like me to let all you readers know that she is sorry for the lack of posts and the delay. Me and life are sucking up her time, but we do appreciate your comments and Mom reads every one to me! We wish that blogger was like facebook so you all would know when we respond to your comments, but sadly this isn't so. So thank you friends, know that we adore when you leave us comments!

As for the dog park party..It was great! Its nice to walk around with a bunch of dogs at your side in comparison to just going to the dog park and walking around with just mom and me, plus I'm in love with Cookie, the older dalmatian gal. She's the next being I would follow if mom was not around. If any of you wish to take a look at the rest of the pictures mom took that day, here's the link to her facebook album.

Have a good week everyone!