5/11/08

Learning to Snuggle

Some dogs snuggle with anyone. Others learn to snuggle over time and to become comfortable on a somewhat intimate level with strangers. This takes time, patience and tons of conditioning.... which means tons of snuggling. Fortunately, most owners don't mind giving all this extra snuggling to their fur friend!

Jazz tends to be "formal" with strangers. She's friendly, but on a more formal level. Her biggest signal of "friendly greeting" is a low bow with her paws extended towards the person. Petting her paws gently is a way to acknowledge her greeting.

Last week at Transitional Care, we met a lady who was sitting up in her bed. Jazz joined her and the lady relaxed into petting Jazz. To our surprise, Jazz curled up beside her and really snugged!! I asked the lady if she had dogs (thinking she's a "dog person"), she said she had never had dogs but would love one someday. What a gift to have a sensitive, somewhat shy dog totally bond with her.

We ended our visit (at the center) after hitting that high note. It just doesn't get any better than that.

Keep spending daily time "mega snuggling" with your dog.... it works.

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