Cooper and Buddy cooperate

Cooper finds a stick

…and is eager for me to toss it.

Buddy watches as I throw it. He is caught by surprise and tries desperately to put the brakes

on Cooper’s sudden advance.

Having failed to arrest Cooper’s movement, in no uncertain terms, Buddy lets him know what he thinks about being dragged around.

Sensitive to Buddy’s protestations, Cooper simply stares at, then turns from the stick the next time I offer it.

When Cooper finally gets up the gumption to retrieve again, he does so most

genteelly… …and Buddy cooperates like the gentleman he is.

1. Buddy seems to understand that Cooper and he are attached by a leash and that Cooper is directly responsible for Buddy’s discomfort.

2. Biting another dog is a simple, direct and perfectly acceptable form of communication.

3. Both dogs are respectful of the other’s needs and value equilibrium in their relationship. Balance is the key, not dominance.

4. Cooper’s softer behavior is probably temporary, as is Buddy’s pleasant cooperation.

Lessons Learned