Different day, different dog 6 - Size DOESN'T matter

Now, I know that all dogs are part of one big family, but it is hard to think that when looking at this adorable photo :)

BUT...in the dog world, size doesn't always matter! Today we have had Tallie in Day Care for an extra day. She is a gorgeous Doberman that comes in to work on her socialisation skills with other dogs. When she started coming we were told she had failed an Assessment Day in a place a little similar to ours due to her barking. When she came here she did bark at the other dogs, but we gave her lots of time and re-assurance and a pattern quickly emerged. She has this sort of ritual she goes through to be-friend a dog....

Step 1) Bark at the other dog.....A LOT

Step 2) Run away with my tail between my legs

Step 3) Approach the other dog and smell their ears

Step 4) Make the other dog smell my ears

After all these steps have been carried out correctly and in the right order she is then that dogs friend for life! When she comes in on a different day she does not do this with any of her "friends" but if there is some one new in the group she takes them through the ritual.

Tallie used to be very rough with smaller dogs, but over time she has learnt her own strength. Today she has been playing with a Cocker Spaniel puppy called Molly and it has been so nice seeing 2 very different dogs playing together. Every time I threw a toy they both chased to get there first, if Molly was there first Tallie then started chasing her and barking in a playful way. But what was even funnier was if Tallie got to the toy first...Molly strode up, with her chest puffed out and barked and chased Tallie :)