Whew what a day!
Cali decided to come out of shell a little today. We’ve had several “dont mess with my toy” growls. I am reading ferociously to find out how I should react to all of these situations. I’ve been given some advice that’s been helping. Boy this is exhausting!
We just got back in from a walk. I was brave enough to take them both out together (leashes in different hands). We didn’t go far but at least we got out of the house for a little while. Cooper and Cali seem to get along better when outside. She is kind of hesitant to go out the door by herself, but if Cooper’s gone out before her she’s a little quicker to go. She’s really good about staying close to my side. Cooper likes to run ahead and sniff everything. She can be very stubborn if she wants to stay in one spot though. Overall, she’s doing EXCELLENT for not being used to a leash! I am very happy.
I’m very happy with the progress we’ve made today. Cooper seems slightly more jealous, but he hasn’t shown any aggression. I’ve been trying to make sure he gets more attention and treats first. Its kind of forced Cali to stay on the floor or play with some toys too, which is a good thing I think. She already has a couple of favorite toys. Cooper’s favorite game is tug of war and I just don’t think she’s getting it. She does it for a little while and then he’ll let go, she takes the toy and growls if he tries to get the other end back. I’ve been telling her no and even took the toy and put it back in between them a couple of times. I really am trying to do all the right things! Doggie psycology is complicated!!
She has barked once or twice, the first time at her reflection in a glass door. I think she barked once at Cooper too. Cooper’s barking my ears off though!! That’s why we went for a walk earlier. Hubby left for a few hours so Cooper thinks he can get away with anything (my fault!) … he is doing better though. All of his barking is because he either wants to play with her, wants to get the other end of the toy she has, or because she’s trying to get in my lap and he is there.
That’s my report for the day. I also uploaded a new picture of her in the photo section. She’s such a beauty if I do say so myself! 
February 24, 2008 @ 8:33 pm
It sounds like you’re doing the right things, and I agree it is exhausting:))) It just sounds like Cali is trying to see how she fits in this new family of hers:)) Of course Cooper wants to play, all boys want to play, and my guess is within a week or so Cali will also be playing, it takes time to adjust to everything:))) I’m glad to hear she went for a walk, and it’s great that you walked them together, works best if you can do it this way:)) Pretty soon they will be best buds, but you will have a few bumps in the road here and there, but we all have them with our dachsies:))) As long as you don’t see any physical aggression, it should be okay to let some growling happen, this is how dogs find where they fit in the pack. If you see that it could escalate to physical, then step in, but looking back in hindsight, I’ve let mine growl at each other, and only intervene if I think it will get worse, and it doesn’t, usually one of them gives in. Sounds like you’ve got a handle on things:)) I know what you mean about females being stubborn. Just recently Paisley has discovered her stubborn side, if she doesn’t want to do something, she plants her butt and doesn’t move. Some might disagree, but coming from someone who owns 6 males, my one female is more stubborn than all of them put together:))) I don’t let her get away with it, but sometimes it makes me laugh because she’s so little and tries to stand her ground:))) Keep us posted, but it sounds like things are going fairly well, and each day will get better:)) Bobbi
February 24, 2008 @ 11:44 pm
did you get Cooper as a baby, too?
February 25, 2008 @ 12:00 am
Yep, Cooper was about 6 weeks old when I got him (too early I know!). Cali is 1.5 years old though
February 25, 2008 @ 11:51 am
Sounds like things are going good so far and this is reminding me so much of dealing with Maddie & Chester! Some days are better than others, some days are very rough, but in the end I would not trade the two of them for the world. Although, Chester definitely can test my limits!
Anyways, sounds like Cooper and Cali will be great together! Sounds like you are doing a terrific job with them! Keep up the good work! 
February 26, 2008 @ 8:01 am
MY sister and I grole at each other alll the time i grol she barks..lol “Pal” just get another toy and throse it at the wall so we bouth have one..
Yoy didn’t sat if she had new toy’s.
Idea to try Pick up all toy’s for a week,and bye one each after the 6-7 day through them on the floor… and every day but two more down till thay are all back in play…
Have a great day… Buddy