Merlin goes to work

Fran101 · Dec 17, 2012

Lol not a very exciting day. We were pretty busy and I had to walk dogs so not too many pictures
Behind the desk

Playing with lambchop, the favorite toy of the moment

This work stuff is exhausting

I do not approve of the sound of that credit card machine

He wanted every toy at the store lol because obviously he doesn't have enough toys

Question though. Is it ok for a puppy to not really be interested in other dogs? He snarked at a very pushy frenchie (just raised his lips and kind of air snapped) but even when regular relaxed dogs (like our store dog, a very very calm whippet who was there ALL DAY) he basically just sniffed and ignored them and wanted to play with me or be in my lap. He didn't seem scared or anything..but is it weird that he doesn't want to play?

He fell asleep on the train and took the store and city life in stride

which I'm very happy about! but I dunno.. he doesn't seem as enthusiastic about dogs as most puppies are.
After work I went over to a co-workers house and he didn't even like OMGOMGOMGHI at her dog at all. They sniffed each other and then he went to sleep and hung out with his owner or me..
I'm just worried he is doggy anti-social..

He is polite to people and goes to say hi and wiggles his butt and takes treats.. but again isn't as OMGOMGOMGPEOPLE as I see other puppies are. He goes to say hi and is happy to see them but is always attached to me like velcro and comes right back after like 2 seconds with them. Which is nice, but I'm worried this is all stemming from something we need to work on.

Ideas? Am I worrying over nothing? I mean, he's only been here like 2 days.. perhaps he just needs some more time to adjust.. I dunno. He just seems so confident in all things that involve doing things with me but I'm worried he isn't enjoying other people or dogs as much as he should and I am hoping I can somehow make them better for him somehow.

TuffStuff · Dec 17, 2012

SO CUTE!!!!!

I like an aloof dog. I taught Boone to "go say hi," which results in him walking over and allowing someone to pet him. And then he turns around and walks right back over to me. I prefer that to Tempie's desire to be everyone's best friend, though I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing either.

Laurelin · Dec 17, 2012

I dunno. I've never had a 'doggy dog' before that wanted to play with strange dogs.

It never is a problem for my guys either. They go to class and hang out with other owners/dogs all the time. They never have any problems. Never snark. They just are disinterested and don't like dogs in their faces. Give them some time and they'll eventually warm up to new dogs and want to interact. But first meeting or a few is definitely no.

I think it probably depends on the plans you have for him too. It doesn't bother me if I don't get to go to the dogpark but it might someone else. If it were me, I would just not force any interaction but reward him for being well behaved in the presence of new dogs.

He could well be a little stressed too. When I got Mia, her second day she was acting horrible with the other papillons. Resource guarding, grumpy pants, etc. I was convinced I'd gotten a mean dog. But I really think she was just stressed out.

He is super pretty. I can't wait to see him grown up!

AllieMackie · Dec 17, 2012

I think that might be ideal for a service dog, as long as he doesn't get snappy at other dogs *too* easily. You want to make sure that stays in check. Ignoring other dogs isn't bad or abnormal. It may be part of why the breeder chose him for a service dog!

Crowsfeet · Dec 17, 2012

AAAHHHHHH! What a gorgeous boy!

You are so lucky!

Also, my Aussie/Aussie-mix(not sure if he's "working-line" or possibly mixed) is naturally aloof- it is by definition, an Aussie trait.. so perhaps you just have a more aloof Australian Shep. Which actually seems ideal in training a service dog, no?

Anyway, I wouldn't worry and perhaps just enjoy his personality as it unfolds, unless something seriously strange pops up.

Congratulations!

TuffStuff · Dec 17, 2012

Laurelin said:

This. For what you got him for, I think him being much more interested in you than any other person or dog will make things go a lot smoother.

Laurelin · Dec 17, 2012

Yeah, I thought of that too. I would think a dog that is into you over anything else would be the best service dog candidate.

sassafras · Dec 17, 2012

I far prefer an aloof-to-strangers dog to an "I love everyone!" dog myself. Ignoring or not being interested in gushing over strange dogs isn't the same as being antisocial to me.

He's a baby and he's only been with you a few days and this is the first time he's away from familiar stuff and dogs and around a lot of unfamiliar ones. So I wouldn't worry an air snap or some disinterest too much at this point in any case. I'd be watchful, but not panicking.

AdrianneIsabel · Dec 17, 2012

Laurelin said:

This, and OMG he and that toy box are adorable

FG167 · Dec 17, 2012

He is so cute!

Kastle was the same way as a puppy with other dogs/people. He's pretty much the same way now, as an adult. Aloof, polite, but he more or less ignores everyone.

Kilter · Dec 17, 2012

That's the breed, aloof. They're not goldens! Could also be stress too.

Kilt was very aloof as a puppy with people and dogs, at first, but came out of it nicely and now squeaks to show how happy she is at the thought of meeting a new friend (human or dog). There's an article somewhere on border collies and how it just was not something the breed 'needed' as typically they were out working sheep and not going to town or hosting parties. I would think Aussies are much the same.

MicksMom · Dec 17, 2012

Hey- when did you get your puppy?! I mean, I knew you were getting one, just didn't know when. He's gorgeous!

Kilter said:

I was going to say the same thing, just substitute Lab for Golden.

Fran101 · Dec 17, 2012

Thanks guys so much! I was so worried.. I mean, his temperament is GREAT as far as I am concerned but I was worried that being this aloof towards dogs/people as a PUPPY wasn't good in general.

He is good with people. Will go sniff their hand, wiggle his bum, take treats...

I think I just need to find some calmer appropriate dogs for him to be around. I'm fine if he doesn't play or is really into them, I just really want to enforce him being ok hanging around them. Right now he's very good with calmer dogs.. just want to make sure he has plenty of positive experiences with them. (to kind of counteract the crazy dogs he sees coming into the store.. I keep him safe behind our closed off desk but still. Oy.)

He was with a few dogs in the elevator and was very good. He sniffed in their direction and wagged his tail when one of them play bowed but otherwise just sat at my feet staring at me..
I need to get used to the staring thing honestly lol

Shai · Dec 17, 2012

Fran101 said:

He is so cute!

And I wouldn't be worried. He's been home what, 24 hours? There's a lot there you haven't seen yet. In any case, Mira wasn't ga-ga into other dogs either as a puppy. She didn't snark at them of course, she just didn't really care that they existed (Uh, yeah, not all retrievers are bumbling airhead < insert-whatever-other-stereotype > ...the perpetuation of that rubbish is a huge pet peeve of mine) and preferred to check out the world and engage the humans, me in particular. She's say hi to some dogs and ignore most. Just not high on her priority list.

As long as you make sure to take extra time to ensure he's comfortable around other dogs since he's not self-reinforcing in their presence and you should be peachy. He's probably going to have to deal with rudeness from dogs as well as people at some point given his future career and you hardly want him snarking and making a scene, deserved or no.

Saeleofu · Dec 17, 2012

He's just aloof. He's going to be your service dog if everything works out, and being aloof is a VERY GOOD thing. Logan ADORES other dogs and people. He manages to keep it together when he's working, but he does still try to flirt on occasion. Whenever people walk by he wags his tail like mad. I had to put a LOT of effort into working on dog distractions to get him to the point where he's at. With an aloof dog, you don't have to work as hard on dog and people distractions. He looks like an excellent candidate

He doesn't NEED a doggy social life. Time with you and maybe an occasional playdate with a dog you trust is all he needs. Dog parks are dangerous places for service dogs/service dog candidates. I don't take my dog to dog parks or things like that and they're perfectly happy

He's freaking ADORABLE! <3

JacksonsMom · Dec 17, 2012

omgSOMUCHCUTENESS! I can't even handle it.

Equinox · Dec 17, 2012

OH GOSH THE CUTE. I am so excited you (and Toller) have your puppies!!! He sounds like a great dog and a fantastic service dog candidate. And I'm REALLY liking the name 'Merlin'.

Southpaw · Dec 17, 2012

Way too much cute. Looks like he had an exciting day!

I too wouldn't really worry about his behavior, would probably just reinforce him lots for being calm in the presence of other dogs/people so that you keep it in check. But, this is something that I would probably do for every puppy, anyway!

BostonBanker · Dec 18, 2012

Gusto was like that with people when he was young, and it worried me a bit, especially when other people would comment on it and stress me out. Honestly, I like it. He isn't opposed to other people, they can reach out and touch him and he doesn't snap or get upset - he just doesn't find them that interesting unless they are working with him.

Interestingly, he's the total opposite in our house. Adores and is all over visitors. It is just out and about that he isn't interested in them.

~Jessie~ · Dec 18, 2012

Oh my gosh- there is WAY too much cute in these photos to handle!

Merlin goes to work

Resident fainting goat

Twin 1

I'm All Ears

Wookie Collie

facetious.

Twin 1

I'm All Ears

mushinois

Glutton for Crazy

Active Member

New Member

Active Member

Resident fainting goat

& the Muttly Crew

Active Member

Active Member

Active Member

orange iguanas.

Active Member

Chihuahua Power!