So I wanted to share with you guys since I have confided in you all about Boss and his 'issues'... he is like a totally different dog now.
He hasn't even mouthed me in the past few weeks. I have started to 'test' him a bit during play, which was a time that he really didn't know not to nip. He won't even attempt it anymore! I can take toys from him, and every morning when he gets out of his crate we run around the house while I chase him pretending to try to get his galileo bone, and he chases me and keeps it away from me. He LOVES it. He hops around, frolics, bows and scoots. I can reach for his bone, and even today we were kind of tugging it, and when I said drop it, he did!! He finally knows how to play with a human and I am SO thrilled!!!
He goes into his crate when he is asked, and we always give him a treat of some kind. Sometimes they are super valuable, as today when he got a REAL bone, and sometimes just a couple of charlee bears for his efforts. He eats in his crate, and always has a galileo bone and a kong in with him. We got him one of those 'pet rugs' a couple of weeks ago and he hasn't even shredded it yet, which is really surprising because he has shredded all the other bedding we have given him. He still isn't quiet when in his crate... unless Degan and Harlow are in theirs as well. It's quite annoying, I would really think that after THIS LONG they would all just get over it and shut up, but I'm starting to think they just like to complain!
Anyway, it sounds crazy, but it seems like as soon as Ollie was gone, Boss was a happier dog. I think he needed one on one attention, and maybe was annoyed by the hyper puppy, or something. He still gets to play with Harlow almost every day, but with no toys, and no treats unless I am hovering over them. He doesn't ever try to steal treats just if something is nearby and the other gets close, that's when he gets snarky. The only problem that ever arises is that he guards us...and I'm not sure how to fix that. If you guys have any suggestions that would be great.
I am SO pleased with him, and it will be really hard to let go of him, but I do think he will eventually be able to be adopted to a home with no other dogs, and I would absolutely be up front about his issues to anyone interested.
Anyway, my other question is about Ollie. I spoke with my friend who adopted him today and we are planning on going over to visit tomorrow evening. But I started wondering if maybe it is too soon, for myself somewhat, but especially for Ollie. I am worried that he would get really confused and maybe sad or something when we left...just because he hasn't been away from us long enough. Do you guys think I am totally over thinking that whole thing? I just don't even know! haha!