Learning to enjoy retirement

Marmaduke is a people dog. He is most happy when he's cuddling me, gazing into my eyes for long minutes at a time. Although that's not dog to dog behavior, he communicates with me in those intuitive ways. He is attuned and sensitive. He's a young boy, but he's experienced more change than stability. Not surprisingly, he needs a bit more support to thrive than some pups.

Marmaduke has gained a lot of confidence. He understands much more about behavioral expectations and he is much more responsive. He WANTS to explore the kitchen but can be redirected immediately with "Out of the kitchen." He understands "LEAVE IT" which now means turn your head away from whatever you are getting nosy about (including the cat). Gradually, he'll learn to back away and leave off interest. Speaking of cat: he used to be mortified. Then, he gained some confidence and began to stand near and bark at her! We've gotten through that stage and now, he neither cries when she's near nor bothers her. At most, he sniffs from a close distance and he seems quite respectful of her warnings to back off.

The question, "ready to go outside?" used to strike fear in him. Now, he exits his crate voluntarily, tail wagging. He is still very skittish outside. He's no longer afraid of the wind rustling or the sound of insects. However, if he needs to go and any sudden noise surprises him, he ceases interest in going potty and stares at the door. I've turned every outing into a training session. He gets small treats for looking at noises instead of bolting, for smelling the surroundings, and for going potty. He rarely has an accident in the house, but he must be carefully observed whenever he is out of his crate, due to his desire to avoid going outside to poop. If we have to leave the room, he must be crated until excursions outside have been successful. That can take at lot of attempts, so he's still a ittle high maintenance.

He is especially skittish at night, but frequent trips outside with treats and the opportunity to mark a little territory have begun to help desensitize him. He is WAY easier to handle on leash: Walking in figure 8s or quickly switching directions has taught him to attend to me while walking.

These milestones mean he's coming closer to becoming a happy, well-adjusted hound. He's content either in or out of the crate most of the time. He LOVES sleeping in the bedroom with the humans and the pack. He is a SNEAK, though, and we occasionally wake being pawed repetitively after he steals into the bed undetected until his leg movements wake us and we help him back down to his own bed. He sleeps nicely 8 hours a night, (10 - 6 or 7).

He's so endearing that his antics are more than tolerable. Just look at those eyes!