Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Hailey and the Kids

My sister and her kids, Troy aged 1 and Maggie aged 3, came and spent the weekend with us. I admit I was a little nervous given Hailey's general dislike for kids. Historically kids have been a big source of stress for her and she has barked a lot. Recently Maggie has decided she does not like dogs which I feared was going to make this even more complicated.

Hailey blew all our minds with how wonderful she was. Yes she barked when they first came in and a couple other times. But other than that, she was great.  When it was stormy and she was nervous, at one point she actually tired to herd Maggie to safety. 

We were able to capture some great Hailey moments.

Hailey and Emma happily accepted Fruit Loops from Troy (wouldn't normally encourage eating such things but thought it was a great way to help pair Troy with reinforcement). She was super gentle with him. (There were 3 adults there to make sure everyone stayed safe - My sister taking the picture, Uncle Chris above and just outside the picture behind the girls me). 



Hailey guarding Maggie as she learned to play pinball. 


Phod of course was wonderful too, as we expected. I realize I didn't capture any pictures of him. He was a little confused why Maggie would cry when he was near her, but he was gentle and respectful and really wanted her to be his friend. 

We were all thrilled with how well it went. Tomorrow I have a friend coming up with her kids, so let's hope this trend continues. 

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Happy 4th of July to all our American friends. May you have a safe and relaxing day.

21 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    Familiarity does build bridges... and understanding, so that the less familiar becomes less challenging. Love and patience pay off!!! YAM xx

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  2. You scored fruit loops! Oh yeah! We get cheerios but fruit loops sound better!

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  3. fruit loops probably have some kind of macig power... and I'm sure this is the start of a cute friendship... I mean we share fruit loops only with friends, right?

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  4. Fruit Loops look so much better than Grape Nuts! Enjoy your time with the little hoomans!

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  5. Hailey bless your sweet little heart...all the TLC and positive reinforcement Lady, Man and brudder Phod have bestowed on you over the years have paid off royally. Bravo to all the 2 leggers for helping you this past weekend. Phod we know how laid back you are so I'm sure the kiddos will be using you for a pillow next visit.
    Hugs madi and mom

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  6. Good work, doggies! My favorite miniature human, Ryan, used to be scared of me because I always bark when anyone comes over to visit. That's my way of saying hello. But now ghostwriter has given him a few chores to do when he's here. Every visit after the humans have dinner, Ryan fills my dinner bowl, and my water bowl, then we go out in the yard for a while to play. When we come in, he tells me to sit, and gives me a treat. Now we get along just fine!

    Hope you have a Happy 4th of July!

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  7. Oh this is simply splendid news.
    Well done Hailey!

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  8. Great Hailey moments - YAY!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

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  9. Dear Ojo's Cousin Lee,

    Good job with the little people! I do not like little people either. They are very unpredictable, and sometimes very loud. But I do like how they drop and share their food!

    Good job, friend. Keep it up with the next kids!

    Licks,
    Cobi

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  10. Wow...they are getting sooo big!
    Happy Independence Day!!
    xoxo
    Arty & Jakey

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  11. We hope the second set of kid visitors receive the same sweet reception. Way to go Hailey.

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  12. Great step forward. We hope the visiting kids are quiet and calm.

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  13. What a good girl you were, Hailey!

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  14. That is great! I, Mabel, get a little stressed by the younger grandkids. But I was better the last time they were here
    hugs
    Hazel & Mabel

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  15. I know how relieved you must have been. Bentley isn't a fan of small children either but Pierre loves everyone. We will watch Bentley closely with the grandbaby but he was great with her the last time he saw her. I think he knew she was his "niece."

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  16. That was just wonderful. Having the kids reward the dogs with something tasty is a great way to develop that relationship. All the dogs here grew up with the grands except for Misty and thus learned to be gentle and kind with them. Misty just loves everyone and as long as you give her some attention, she will be your best friend forever:)

    Good luck with your friend's visit.

    Woos - Misty and Lightning

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  17. Oh, that is just FABulous! Sometimes the most nervous doggies are the best with kids, cause they give off such good vibes. WooHoo!
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  18. WOW! I love when peoples come over. And fruit loops sound like a great way to make friends. I will have to remember that!!!

    Puppy Growls,
    Lucy

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  20. That's totally pawsome. Kids are always a wild card so congrats on everything going well. We'll need to restock the panty with some Cheerios for those 'reinforcing moments.' Love it when kids share their bounty with dogs. Too cute. Have fun in Round 2.

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  21. I'm so glad things went well. Good job everyone!

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