Beta-testing the Alpha

I haven't been so obsessed with pee and poop since the kids were in diapers. But rather rehearse Josie's digestive events and where they happened, here is a telling scene along the journey to establishing myself as the "alpha" in Josie's pack: I was sitting on the kitchen floor enjoying Josie, when she nipped me playfully on the arm. As I've been instructed to do, I took her snout in my hand and gave it a squeeze/shake, saying "No," until she squealed slightly. And we looked at each other. She gave the same arm a slight, gentle lick, and looked at me. I praised her. She gave it a couple more licks, and looked at me. More praise. She gave it the tiniest little hint of a nip, and looked at me. I said "no." ...whereupon she spontaneously lay down on her back, paws up, in submission to the alpha. Man, this pup must be reading the same books I am.

Doing other little enjoyable exercises once in a while, like holding her as she's facing away from me in her seated position, with one hand on her chest and the other under her chin. The hold is firm, but also embracing, with a slight massage of the chest. The message? "I am in charge, but since I love you that's not such a bad thing, is it?"