esrosedotblog

NEW TRICKS

We have grandkids here this week and it is fun to watch them work it out with the dog. Franklin has never been around little people before. Well, they are not too little at 7 and 11; it is more their size and their style. Kids have a different scale and warp speed.

There are not a lot of young people around here for him to practice on. He is always interested when he sees kids on his walks and sometimes gets to say hello to them; but it is quick--over and out. Now, he has to pay attention 24/7! These guys are in his house!

For the boys, it's also a new thing to have a dog around all the time. They live in a pooch-free home. It is one thing to pet or play with a neighbor's dog; time and space limited. This pup is around 'dogging' them for attention and play much of the time they are visible; and, he is often waiting outside their door for them to emerge, when they are out of the mainstream.

It is going OK; amusing to watch. Dogs and kids are very open with their behavior and express their inner 'weather' quite well. It is all out there; easy to see. Most adults pretend that they like your dog whether they do or not. It is hard to pull off if they faking it or if they are fearful or uneasy about him. The body language always tells. It is as graphic as a dog's tail position and frequency of wag. I will not reveal the details here. I do not want to create an even greater challenge for wannabe dog-lovers to add to their act.

Kids do not pretend. They are like the pup! They are all right there on the authentic scale; all the action is spontaneous and real time. Fear, doubt, and insecurity are apparent as much as fun, frolic, and affection.

For now, both dog and kids are on a break. The boys are in LA with their parents and Franklin is resting a lot. The games will begin anew tonight when they come back to the desert for two more days. We are taking grandstand seats. Like I said, it is great to watch and be a part of.