Day 2

Well, today was exhausting, but great progress was made!

Yes, last night was a little rough, but after about 45 minutes Bean gave up her crying and slept through the night quietly. I am going to have her closer to me tonight, which will be both harder (for me) and more comforting (for her). I know it's frustrating now, but I know that as long as I'm consistent she'll adjust eventually. She's currently in her kennel, asleep - but the kennel is on my bed, lol. I'll move it to it's final location after her last pee in a few minutes.

Although there were a few accidents, I would say the majority of piddling and pooing happened OUTSIDE today! So much praise! I felt so proud.

Also today the boys and Bean met on level turf outside. If anything, Baccio and Samson are the ones in trouble - Bean is ferociously protective of her personal space around them, and is very barky and snappy to them unless distracted with treats and toys. They may be big but the boys cowered away from her for at least the first 4 hours they were in eachother's presence, and from then on kept a healthy distance but play bowed and whined. We worked on this for most of the day, and by this evening I think the power dynamic is on a positive shift toward the boys. This is a very good thing and I'm helping Bean accept her role in the pack as gently as possible while reassuring the boys that this newcomer will not be usurping their positions. There will be no unsupervised time with them all together, ever, but things went surprisingly well for their first time.

Bean made use of her little oval bed for the first time today, and that was a relief! I'm working on helping her with her anxiety and helping her gain some independence, and I have some great online resources that are helping me with it. She is SUCH a good dog, but she IS shy and I have to to show her that not only is there nothing to be afraid of - but that since I'm big and tough I can protect her.

I'm looking forward to what will probably be another long night.

- me