BECOMING FRIENDS

Dakota got a new friend about 7 years ago. His name is Bear and he is a Maltese.

When the dogs first met Dakota was nice to Bear. Knowing that Dakota didn't play well with others, this was a surprise. They now tolerate each other.

Dakota misses Bear when he goes for grooming appointments, and greets him when he gets home. Other than this display of affection, Dakota doesn't have much to do with Bear.

When it comes to barking they work as a team. We call Bear the instigator and Dakota the intimidator. It takes a little while to get the barking stopped because one or the other doesn't know why they are barking.

We have some cross words between the two. It usually happens when they want to go out. Dakota gets excited (more barking) and will run over Bear. He let's her know about it. At night when we are all winding down, Bear may get to close to Dakota and she will growl at him. Bear just walks away.

Dakota is the alpha dog in our little family. It's a position she handles well...Sometimes.

Authored by Lori Martin