esrosedotblog

NOISEMAKERS

Franklin has had these old crate liners that he lies on in the sun room and behind the couch.

Being kind and considerate human companions we got him two new real beds for his birthday and for christmas.

The beds are made with plastic beads like a bean bag chair. They rustle.

He does not like the rustling.

He will not go up on the beds. He does not want anything to do with them.

Shock. Dismay. That's us. Not him.

Then I made the mistake of "making" him walk on it. That, as I said, was a real mistake. It worsened his aversion.

So, we have let the bean bag beds lie where the old ones were. Waiting for him to accommodate.

No dice.

He will give the look of a martyr and lie right next to them.

The old beds are outside in a box ready for the trash collectors but we have not yet put them into the "take this" category. They sit inside the gate.

I hope that we do not have to bring them back.

He is relenting a bit. I got him to put both feet on one this morning and then he played with it some. The rustling noise is not as off putting.

When I came home from my Meeting this morning he went over to the bed and put his feet on it. Another sign of weakening resolve.

We know that when and if he gets used to them and lies down, he will be very happy with them. They are firm but flexible and quite comfortable. They fit to the body.

He is a stubborn cuss. The issue is as much about his making his own decisions as it is about the change of furniture.

Airedales are notoriously independent. He is a true example of the breed. He will resist going any walk way that he does not want to take. He will not even snuggle or eat if it is not his own idea. It can drive me crazy.

In this case, we have decided to go gentle with it and give it a week.

I foresee his getting on with it and liking the result. Warm. Soft. Firm support.

But I cannot push.

John has a different way of working with him and he will get into it also.

Another project.

Why didn't we get a compliant, easy going, slave of a dog? Because it would be so dull.

Never a dull dog moment. Never. And we love it.

Labels: Franklin