Becoming comfortable

Marmaduke becomes more comfortable by the day. We've established a good potty routine and created some positive associations with the yard so that he now can go potty within a few minutes of going outside on the first go around. This is a huge accomplishment for one who was so tentative about even being outside until now.

He responds extremely well to gentle leadership. Boundaries help him feel safe about exploring. And he is really curious and persistent at times. But he is responsive and intuitive and he floods with too many demands at once, or expectations that are too high (don't we all!). Old standby rule of thumb works for him: 3:1 (positive to negative). So, three genuine expressions of praise or reward at least, for every sharp "No!" If more is needed, I just reduce his freedom a little so he can be successful. He accepts rules and boundaries very well if delivered calmly. He aims to please and he needs to know he is.

He slept in our room on a bed once and slept through the night. Until now, his potty schedule was irregular so he had to be crated at night. Now, we can permit choice about bedtime.

He is VERY funny with stuffies. Loves them all. Takes them all and keeps them all. He never steals one from the other hounds, he just waits his turn. He very much wishes he could go outside unleashed like the other dogs do. He gently resists putting on the martingale for potty walks. He must be leashed walked for potty breaks for about 2 more months at least, until his leg heals more thoroughly.

He's excellent with the cat. I remain vigilant but he has proven to be curious but not assertive with her. He has moved toward her once to sniff but he was easily redirected verbally. The cat gets the next opportunity to tell him to back away and I expect that to be the end of his curiosity.

Marmaduke likes to explore the counters a little but no real counter surfing. He is not allowed in the kitchen anyway so he seldom gets this chance. He actually loves getting into bed but he's learning the house rules for off the furniture.

Last observation: this guy has the most pitiful, loud whine when he wants something. It's hysterical. Not only that, he also does a part roo, part bark sound when he's excited--too short for roo but just that pitch.