Areas That Need Improvement

Snuggle buddies

Henry & Bodie in the park

     Henry met Bodie a few days ago and it was something I had been anticipating because Bodie is one of Zico's best pals. They got along just fine and it was a great relief to know that there are dogs who will befriend Henry. I have noticed that when playing, if another dog is running away, Henry will nip the back of the other dog. So he has to learn boundaries. He did this with Bodie today and Bodie gave him one back. Henry kept his distance after that but started barking. (Kudos to Bodie for a well-timed, restrained correction.)
     Barking is another area that needs improvement. True to his breed, he barks loud and long when he sees another animal, whether it is another dog or a squirrel. Fortunately, he is nice and quiet indoors. But once he gets going I don't know how to snap him out of it. Usually I will hold him facing me and away from the other animal with his head under my arm or under my leg. This keeps him quiet until I let him go. A few days ago I was holding him in this position because he was barking at Nikki. So Nikki took the oppotunity to jump up and give me a kiss. I was glad that she was willing to be so close to Henry. I would love for the two of them to get along. (Attn Nikki's Mom: I have a plan to help them socialize if you are willing.)
     His behavior on the leash continues to improve. For whatever reason, he is more docile when he walks without Zico. And while the ideal situation is no pulling whatsoever, as long as he does not see another animal, his pulling seems at a normal, acceptable level, just like most other dogs. He and Zico are having more positive interactions and fewer negative ones. They always got along but Zico seems disinterested much of the time. Zico is giving Henry kisses more often, responding to Henry initiating play, and recently he is choosing to sleep at night on the couch next to Henry's crate instead of in the bed. The negative interactions occur when one of them has a toy and the other gets too close. Zico tends to growl and has snapped a few times (without making contact). They are learning each others' boundaries and Henry is accepting human authority better, so this occurs less often. We can definitively say that Henry is house-trained, crate-trained and knows 'sit'. He will even sit without a treat.
     "Fostering Henry" also has a facebook page. There are a lot more pictures of Henry on facebook and you will automatically get updates on when I write a blog if you 'like' Henry's facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fostering-Henry/212872712139666