Goo Goo the Pole Dancer

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Goo Goo is learning how to walk on a leash. We haven't trained her to walk properly yet because she's timid when she's outdoors. Living near a highway and having many tourists make for many loud noises and chatter that this Jersey girl is not used to so we are more focused on having her get used to all the new noises first. Yesterday, she wrapped herself around a street sign pole. Twice.

This girl is quite special.

Shio vs. Change

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Since Goo Goo arrived, Shio there have been some changes with Shio's personality at home. 1. Protectiveness

The day before Goo Goo arrived was the day that she was spayed. Immediately upon meeting her, Shio decided that it was his job to protect our foster from shadows and babies by ferociously barking at them. He also goes to her crate after greeting us when we arrive home or wake up in the morning to make sure that she's okay.

2. Patience

Day after day, Shio begs for Goo Goo to pay attention to him and play with him. He will play bow, bark, and wag his tail. The works.

3. Food

Apparently now that we have a second dog in our home, Shio is determined that there will be a pending famine because he has to share some of his food. He gobbles up his food much quicker than he normally would and then charges for Goo Goo's leftovers.

4. Less Competitive

Usually when Shio walks next to another dog on a leash, he makes sure that he's in the lead even if only by a nose. Not so with Goo Goo.

5. Jealousy

I'm not sure whether dogs experience jealousy or not but we've noticed that he will make sure that he has more attention when we greet Goo Goo. This subject will have to further be explored.

 

Goo Goo vs. Trust

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So much time has passed since we first picked up Shio and we needed to give him time to adjust to us. More importantly, we needed to get him to trust us. At the time, we didn't realize that Shio would not be the sort of happy go lucky dog that you see out on the streets. When we puppy sit for friend's dogs, they get along just fine with us and whatever we decide to do. Shio was there to play with them and we were there to feed and walk them. When neither option is available, then they fall asleep in the warm dwelling we provide for them. Needless to say, that falsified conception of a dog's ability to adapt had us stupidly assuming that all dogs would be happy to go along with whichever treat dispensing human came their way. Having no adopting experience with any other breed, I wonder how much more complex Shibas are compared to other breeds.

We can see Goo Goo struggling to grasp what's happening in her life right now. After a whirlwind 2 weeks for her, she just wants to rest and we don't blame her.