I really want to play with that pink elephant!

Video and pictures were from Tina's second day in foster care.

 

As with all fosters, during the first days (if not weeks, depending on the dog) we just let the dog be.  No grabbing or forcing them to engage with us.  Given Tina was pretty stressed her first couple days with us, these guidelines were even more important.  There was no force of any kind and that model of working with her has really paid off. 

 

Below you can see Tina has found a bed she likes and watch her - you can see she really wants to play with that pink elephant.  And as often the case, Bésoleil is a total goof ball with pink elephant!

You can see Tina is conflicted. She wants to play but, isn't sure about Bésoleil or me.  You can see this act out by how she "nibbles" at the bed.  This is a stress sign for her.  Instead of getting after her for the nibbling I gently interrupt the behavior by moving my fingers - this isn't a threat, I'm not making her do anything.  Instead with the "distraction" of my fingers, she stops on her own and changes her behavior. 

 

 This was seconds after the above video - look what Tina is up too! Again you can see her doing some of the nervous nibs.  She's excited about the pink elephant but still trying to take in her new environment.  As you will see in coming posts, Tina give lots of signs and warnings when she is stressed and/or conflicted. 

 

 

Wondering what Bésoleil was up to while Tina was playing with pink elephant...

 

Do not let Bésoleil's size fool you - she's a tough little brod who likes to play rougher than most dogs that pass through our house.  You can see we play a little rough and then I back off - she can move away whenever she wants.  And a little bit of this play can go along way for other dogs in the house watching.  So, I stop the play by giving Bésoleil an antler and off she goes!

 

 

 

"Love this elephant!"

Sweet girl having fun

"I have you now!"

"I'm getting it good!"



Smiling as she and pink elephant relax

 

 And where was Bésoleil after so much fun...



sacked out and ready for a nap!