Just thought I'd do a little update, there hasn't been any 'Duke' news in a long while. We are almost to the one year point. We've made it past the prey on the neighbor's small dog, and a couple of 'you touch me like that and I'll eat your face' growling episodes, and have finally settled into a pretty peaceful existence.
Duke and Trouble co-exist better than we (or anyone) would have ever expected. Trouble is the dominant dog, if she corrects, Duke backs down. He will on occasion, try to lean into her and knock her off balance
While we feed them in separate areas, they will share a plate to get the last nibbles of what we had for dinner - never so much as a growl.
Duke was well trained in obedience, and we have continued to work with him. For the most part, he is very well mannered. We continue to have some issues with him 'over protecting' his house and yard. When he goes into this mode he is hyper focused. Even with this he is improving, but it continues to be the one area where he needs tons of work.
We have learned to live with the boundaries - don't pick up my feet, and don't lean over me and wake me up. And even with these we see some improvement - we can touch and hold his feet now.
I discovered a couple of weeks ago he is protective of Trouble. She and Duke were laying in our bed, she was licking her foot, when I walked in and caught her. I clapped my hands and yelled for her to stop as I rushed toward her. He jumped up and gave a warning growl and moved between us. I guess it's like correcting the kids, they just don't like that
I still am very cautious with him. I'm still not comfortable trying to walk him in the neighborhood because of off leash dogs. Just not ready to take that chance, and then again, if he isn't in our yard, he may be perfectly fine - he is at the vet, no issues with other dogs there. I suspect he will be a lifelong challenge and keep us on our toes, but he really is a good boy, and he appreciates his new home.
The more I read here, the more I realize he is not much different from many of the male dogs here. I can relate to the stories about Dar, Sepple, Riggs, and others. Maybe 'Bully' is all that is left to deal with