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July 31, 2014

A Puppy Learns to Share. Sort of.

Resource guarding, whether in respect to food, toys, space or anything else, can be a scary habit and a tough one to break. By default, most puppies tend to be resource guarders/hoarders. For example, Penny always dashes to the water and drinks in deep gulps. She’s just starting to catch
Resource guarding, whether in respect to food, toys, space or anything else, can be a scary habit and a tough one to break. By default, most puppies tend to be resource guarders/hoarders. For example, Penny always dashes to the water and drinks in deep gulps. She’s just starting to catch on that there is no shortage of water and no need to rush for it. As Penny continues to grow, I’m mindful to help her not be possessive and to be comfortable sharing.  Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, dogs, marking our territory, blog

“Sharing? Never heard of it.”

With Dutch (my brother’s dog) around, it’s provided the perfect learning experience for Penny. Dutch is an unfamiliar pup in her home and he’s messing with her stuff! Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, dogs, marking our territory, blog

“Hey Will, who authorized this guy getting a square on the couch?”

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, dogs, marking our territory, blog

“Hey buddy, get your own lion”

Since she’s still so young, Penny has adapted quite nicely. While she was a bit miffed at first, Penny now happily shares her toys and plays tug of war.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, dogs, marking our territory, blog

Dutch also taught his young pupil one of the oldest tricks in the book. He stayed still and let Penny do all the pulling…

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, dogs, marking our territory, blog

And left her with the small end of the wishbone

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, dogs, marking our territory, blog

But Dutch also kindly shared his bone with Penny and all was well

Eko used to be a bit of a space-guarder and would grumble if anyone bugged him while he was snoozing. Penny has certainly cleared him of any remaining vestiges of that issue.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, dogs, marking our territory, blog

Dutch gave me the “Is she seriously trying to sit here” look, while I just laughed knowingly

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, dogs, marking our territory, blog

“Hey bro, is it cool if I sit here?”

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, dogs, marking our territory, blog

“No? Okay how about here?”

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, dogs, marking our territory, blog

“No? Okay, well yeah, I’m just gonna stay here anyway”

Rhodesian Ridgeback, puppy, dogs, marking our territory, blog

“Perfect!”

Ok, so Penny is an expert at teaching other dogs to share. But we still have a ways to go before she is as benevolent as Eko and Dutch!

Comments for A Puppy Learns to Share. Sort of.

  1. Marcela says:

    You go Penny! Not fair, Eko and Dutch are taking most of the couch. Let that cutie pie get a piece of the couch too:-)

  2. meANXIETYme says:

    Uh oh, is there a bigger couch on order? Or more likely, I’m assuming your brother will soon be relegated to the floor–like you–to make more room for all three dogs. 🙂

  3. raisingdaisy says:

    What a great series of photos – absolutely precious!! Penny is one smart cookie and it looks like she’s really catching on. She sure does stand up (or sit down LOL) for herself, which is a good thing! What a wonderful family. What kind of dog is Dutch? His markings are gorgeous.

  4. awww Penny you got the small end of the wishbone? hmmmm… I would wait till next week with a lottery ticket lol The last picture is great… and perfect is the best word to describe it :o)

  5. fredrieka says:

    I share with Riley but when she puts it down I go get it. Old Cissy never would let me sit on her, but next to her close.

  6. Don’t you just the love the energy a puppy can add to the mix?

  7. LOVE LOVE LOVE how Eko is so patient with her. Loved this post!

  8. Emmadog says:

    Bailie was pretty good about sharing having come from a litter of 14. Penny is hilarious. We also noticed you have the same VAIO laptop we have…very good taste 😉 Too bad Sony sold VAIO, we love them.

  9. Rene L. Hester Jensen says:

    Hi! Looks like Penny is getting her adult teeth! Keep your eyes peeled & you will find them around the house; near food & water bowls, on/near chew toys. I’ve still several of my pups deciduous/milk teeth.

    Love the blog; Keep up the great job! My pup & I love to watch the videos together.

    Rene & “Chi-Chi” Chelmsford, MA

    Sent from my iPad

  10. Love it, couldn’t help but laugh at those cute, cute pictures. Hugs and nose kisses

  11. harrispen says:

    Thank you so much for these pictures. You don’t know how much I needed such a good laugh. Penny sure provides much fodder for your blog. I hope as she matures she keeps up with her silly ways. Dutch is such a sweet elder statesman too. Penny is so lucky to have him as a mentor too.

  12. Victoria says:

    i love the family pic at the end – perfect ending to the lesson!!!!

  13. Dutch is a handsome guy, what great pictures!

  14. fozziemum says:

    That is just hilarious…I love these pics…like a xmas card one for friends and family hahaaha…luckily we never had any real resource issues here..just never enough as far as the boys are concerned 😉 great post!! hugs Fozziemum xxx

  15. Ahhh Penny! You never fail to delight us! Those big boys will show you the meaning of chill one way or another though won’t they 🙂

  16. Kyla says:

    Shsre? OK, but not food.

  17. What a cozy group! I would never get off the couch…well, once I found my own square, that is. Great photos, fun post.

  18. Misaki says:

    Lol I love that pic of her trying to find space on the sofa – classic!

  19. Boomdeeadda says:

    LOL, Little Penny doesn’t want to be left out of nap time. She seems to be a real character.

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