Response

Question
QUESTION: Hi there,
I need a little guidance. See, about three years ago, I was fortunate enough to be selected by a puppy, one month after my 18 year old dog died, Magoo.

Magoo and I had a special relationship, and it was difficult to accept a new puppy in my life however when Sassafras came along, she all but juggled to get my attention. And I felt I had Magoo's "okay" to accept her into my life.

I had wanted a close relationship with my pet,friend and companion, since it took me 14 years to get Magoo past his abusive life. All the while, knowing that I would be available or make arrangements for her well being, should anything bad should happen to me.

With that said, I had seen a friend raise her puppy with a series of grunts, growls and nose and tummy rubs. To the point that the puppy truly believed that her mommy was my friend. At that point, I did the same....With stunning results.

Well here I am, three years later, with a wonderfully behaved dog, that has never had a mean or cross hand raised to her. Sassafras is full of love and I can trust her with the tinest of children and with the elderly. Sassafras also,  does not run, or wander from the house. She will come and sit still with just a low growl from me. So much to the point that my husband and in law's will often ask that I get her into control for him, with one of my growls or murmurs....Not that she is acting badly, but more that she is barking or making some ruckous because of the squirrel in the backyard.

I guess, my next step is...what's best for Sassafras? How do I continue to be her 'Dog Mom' and she my 'best friend' and yet  when it's time let her become the dog she needs to be?

What is the next step? She is spayed and will not become a 'mom' herself. But I want her to mature in a way that is natural to what she has been raised with... hence your input is appreciated.

In closing,please know, I only did what I honestly felt was best to have a well behaved, loved dog (and she is well loved by many folks, by so many so....that I have two requests that should anything bad happen to me, that Sass be bequethed to them).  I just want the best for baby.

Sincerely,
Rachel

Sincerely,
Rachel

ANSWER: I don't understand what you are asking.  It sounds like you have done a very good job with your dog, using the sounds a mother dog might make rather than the words people usually use.  I don't see what you need to do.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well, thank you. I worry because even as a three year old, she still very puppy like. And I started to think, how do dogs age? What would Sass should grow up and age gracefully if I hadn't 'stunted' her behaviour with my Mommie sounds...
Maybe I should just thank my lucky stars and let nature take it from here.
Thank you for your input.

Answer
Ah, I wish I had the electronic goodies and knew how to put up a video of my 14 year old Lab catching a ball and running with it or chasing a stick in the river.  This is a dog that spent most of her life working as a dog guide.  True, she spends much of her day sleeping in a bean bag chair, but she is very insistent about her walk in the afternoon.  She is free to spend as much time as she wants in the fenced yard.  No, she wants to me to go along with the leash.  I think even when they were both past 5, she and her mother enjoyed competing for thrown balls.  

At 3 years old, your dog should be settling down a little.  She may play as hard as ever for many more years, but spend more quiet time.