Moviedust
Well-known member
Willow has been part of our family for one week, and she has fit in remarkably well. We're still working on the night barking, though we made it all the way to about 5:30 or 6:00 last night with zero barking! I have decided to make a doggie condo each night for the time being. I use the ex-pen and connect it in a circle to Cedar's wire kennel. The big pillow goes in the ex-pen. I previously left out Willow's kennel, though I think I'll set it inside the ex-pen without its door tonight. I suspect Willow actually LIKES the kennel, at least as long as she can get out. When giving this set up a try before bedtime, when Cedar left her kennel after a while, Willow bolted off the pillow and took over Cedar's kennel (which was covered with a blanket for more privacy. I'm not sure how they actually slept throughout the night, but improvements are being made so we'll keep at it.
The girls are getting along famously. Cedar has really come around to the whole idea of Willow taking up residency. She's started eating her food at one time to keep Willow away from it. There hasnt been any aggression at all between them, not even over food. Just a "are you going to eat that? No? I'll just finish it off then, if you dont mind.." attitude. They now rough house to the extent of running like nutters. They do a small amount of pawing, a lot of butt throwing at each other, and some wimpy play nips. No all out wrestling yet! They absolutely love running and playing down in the basement (which is completely empty--just a big, finished space). They are only allowed down there when I do laundry, so it makes the space even more fun. They run down the stairs like they lead to Disney World.
Willow has learned her name, and she pretty much has "sit" down, though she needs some refinement. For some reason, she hasnt figured out how to jump up on the sofas. She can jump that high, she just hasnt figured out that she can, I suppose. She has a bad habit of digging on the furniture or a person when she wants up on the sofa. So we're working on breaking that nasty habit. She's learning to sit politely instead. I thought surely she'd start jumping up rather than go through training each time she wants up, but so far she hasnt. It's great for learning to sit, though!
Her house training has been terrific. She has had 3 accidents: two in the first two days, and one this morning. She absolutely refused to go potty out in the rain. Her foster mom said this was a known issue with her (it's one known with many cavaliers!!). Cedar hates it, but she obeys her come and go potty commands. Hopefully, with some training, Willow will grudgingly oblige as well.
Willow's GI issues are resolved, and we've started the transition over to our kibble. She's a complete hog when it comes to any type of food. She absolutely loves ice cubes. She'll chomp on them straight out of the freezer (Cedar always likes to let them soften/melt a bit, which means that once Willow eats her, she helps herself to Cedar's).
I'm completely thrilled with how well the girls are getting along, but I have found that getting a great picture of the two of them together is a CHALLENGE. Of course, when Cedar's in a sit stay, I cant get Willow to come over and sit still. If I can get both of their attentions at the same time, they are both on opposite ends of the room! I dont know how you multiple dog photographers manage!
Anyway, here are my attempts:
They are little devils just waiting to get into stuff; I can see it in their eyes!
They had their own bowls, but Willow thought she'd help Cedar lick hers clean.
Awww... they'll sleep together if it means getting to sleep with Mommy!!
The girls are getting along famously. Cedar has really come around to the whole idea of Willow taking up residency. She's started eating her food at one time to keep Willow away from it. There hasnt been any aggression at all between them, not even over food. Just a "are you going to eat that? No? I'll just finish it off then, if you dont mind.." attitude. They now rough house to the extent of running like nutters. They do a small amount of pawing, a lot of butt throwing at each other, and some wimpy play nips. No all out wrestling yet! They absolutely love running and playing down in the basement (which is completely empty--just a big, finished space). They are only allowed down there when I do laundry, so it makes the space even more fun. They run down the stairs like they lead to Disney World.
Willow has learned her name, and she pretty much has "sit" down, though she needs some refinement. For some reason, she hasnt figured out how to jump up on the sofas. She can jump that high, she just hasnt figured out that she can, I suppose. She has a bad habit of digging on the furniture or a person when she wants up on the sofa. So we're working on breaking that nasty habit. She's learning to sit politely instead. I thought surely she'd start jumping up rather than go through training each time she wants up, but so far she hasnt. It's great for learning to sit, though!
Her house training has been terrific. She has had 3 accidents: two in the first two days, and one this morning. She absolutely refused to go potty out in the rain. Her foster mom said this was a known issue with her (it's one known with many cavaliers!!). Cedar hates it, but she obeys her come and go potty commands. Hopefully, with some training, Willow will grudgingly oblige as well.
Willow's GI issues are resolved, and we've started the transition over to our kibble. She's a complete hog when it comes to any type of food. She absolutely loves ice cubes. She'll chomp on them straight out of the freezer (Cedar always likes to let them soften/melt a bit, which means that once Willow eats her, she helps herself to Cedar's).
I'm completely thrilled with how well the girls are getting along, but I have found that getting a great picture of the two of them together is a CHALLENGE. Of course, when Cedar's in a sit stay, I cant get Willow to come over and sit still. If I can get both of their attentions at the same time, they are both on opposite ends of the room! I dont know how you multiple dog photographers manage!
Anyway, here are my attempts:
They are little devils just waiting to get into stuff; I can see it in their eyes!
They had their own bowls, but Willow thought she'd help Cedar lick hers clean.
Awww... they'll sleep together if it means getting to sleep with Mommy!!
