We're watching a dog for some friends while they make an unexpected trip. P is settling in really nicely and it probably helps that she comes over a lot with her family and she knows Cousteau and Havana.

What I find interesting is that she and Havana are jockeying for alpha status. They never do this when P is with our friends, no matter if it's at our house, their house, or on neutral ground (like vacationing). But today I've intervened in at least 2 little dust ups. P didn't want to share the bed she was on with Havana and they've had a few words over other choice spots. It's nothing major and I've been able to stop it immediately, but it's still interesting how P apparently regards her Dad as alpha and is taking advantage of him not being here. She's in her crate most of the time by her choice and that's off limits to my dogs (and child) so there isn't a lot of contact. They just picked a bad day to out alpha bitch each other since I'm crabby today and will happily put both of them in their place!

That's really interesting. It's so fascinating how doggy dynamics are so fluid.

The humane society warned my friend when he adopted P that she'd take advantage of him if she got the chance. I didn't disagree with them (I met P after he'd had her 3 or 4 years), but I didn't see what they saw until today. I was very honored that she slept next to my side of the bed last night until DH pointed out that she's afraid of wood floors and my side of the bed was closer. I got up to use the bathroom and when I got back into bed P jumped up and instantly did this pathetic little twist and turn into the sheets like she was trying to avoid a beating. (I know for a fact this dog has never been beat!) I looked at her face and she was LAUGHING! She knew she was playing us!

The rule at our house is if the human leaves the furniture the dog does, too. When I got up for real I told her she had to get down and she gave me this look like "Damn. You caught me. Fine."

I'm curious to see what P dog and I could accomplish in a week or two together. My friends have done a great job with her, but I do think they coddle her a bit much.

I can't wait to see what little alpha bitch skirmishes break out today. Since it's just short term I find them really funny.