My dog Rocks!! - Page 1

I absolutely love my dog for many reasons but today gave me another one!

We went to a busy state park with UKC Champion Sky Von Barren Berg CD BN CGC RN HIC TDI TC.  

we stopped at their farm ice cream stand and I tied her out told her to wait and we went inside. People with dogs, kids, bikes were everywhere and she was tied right next to livestock animals that people can pet.

We got our ice cream and came back out to find her laying down quietly. We checked out the animals and looped back to her. A woman approached to say she had never seen such a well behaved dog that calmly laid down while her owners left her with dogs barking at her and the chaos all around.

But, the best part is while we were eating a girl ran up and grabbed Sky from behind...maybe 12 years old. A woman chased her and grabbed her apologizing profusely. It was then when I realized she was special needs. I told the woman the young girl could pet Sky. 

OMG. It was amazing! Sky had passed her TDI test with ease but then my law school started and we never got a chance to make visits so I never knew how she would react.

Well, this girl alternating petting her (by rubbing in the wrong direction across her back making her hair stand up) and suddenly clutching her and squeezing her from on top around her belly in a death grip. It happened so fast. Sky stood like a rock just scantly wagging her tail. 

Now, Sky is a high energy girl! To see her stand like a rock for this young special needs girl tracing her ears and hugging her in death grips and rubbing her hair hard the wrong way was incredible. I'm crying as I right this but wanted to share it with everyone. I AM SO PROUD OF HER!!!!! 

Sarah

And you have every right to be proud of her, Smiley. It makes my heart glad to read such an honest, open love letter to a good dog.

Thank you! I am so humbled right now and in tears. These animals are amazing and I am so blessed to have her in my life. She never fails to amaze me; never lets me down; and always faces the world full of joy. I love her so much!!!!

Yep, quite an introduction;  accolades to you and Sky.  Obviously you have done your socialization homework well.  Take care  Nan

Your dog displayed discernment.  Discernment .. "a discerning individual is considered to possess wisdom, and be of good judgement; especially so with regard to subject matter often overlooked by others".  A good dog of any breed displays discernment in their interactions with children, adults, other dogs, animals etc.  I have seen some fierce dogs sit and take having rocks poked in their mouth from young children with the knowledge that children should not be hurt.  Likewise a bold and strong male dog should never seriously harm a young puppy of any sex under any circumstance.  A dog with a good heart and a good head will teach the puppies the lessons without drawing blood or inflincting harm other than that required to teach the lesson.  I had a young female who was my nanny dog and she taught young puppies to behave and mind their rank and social order but was a guardian over the puppies and kept them from harm.  In general we under estimate what dogs know about us and over estimate what we know about them. 

Do you all feel that this is naturally instinctive or can this be taught.  In  my past experience they either have discernment or they don't.  Not something you can teach, maybe enhance, but its seems to be there or not.  Thx  Nan

I too believe it is inborn. I have had the privledge of knowing & caring for some very nice dogs, with very different personalities. My current girl saved me, & is fiercely protective of me...& I love her. But her dam was the total package. Kali was a discerning, sentient being. I miss her so!

Sarah, celebrate your exceptional girl! They are never with us long enough!

jackie harris

Thank you, all!!!! That's intersting that it is inborn.....I guss therapy dogs are born and not made!!