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http://www.iidoba.org/forums/uploads/monthly_08_2011/post-3-1314375227.jpg

Draco and Wicca Moon

 

Owners: Gib and Joan Curry, Lynnwood, Wa.

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It was very hard to pick the right picture for these two. As you know, Gib and Joan have taken many good photos, each as good as the last. However, since we had had several calm sitting pictures, I thought it was time for an action shot.

 

To see more excellent pictures of these two, click here.

 

I love this picture for many reasons, including that the more you look at it, the more you see. Wicca literally has her head in the lion's mouth, but then you see that rubber bone also in Draco's mouth, and you can see she is draped over his front legs, and that he is being so gentle with her, and obviously loving this, while she is pretending to be a fearless pup. His back legs are still in motion--he is giving her the full effect of taking him down.

 

It is a great, and tender dog moment.

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It was very hard to pick the right picture for these two. ....It is a great, and tender dog moment.

 

I worked a Summer as a part-time photographer's assistant. Cool guy. He said the best photographs don't capture a moment they release it.

 

Your words helped release this moment. Thank you. Joan and I were sitting out back as I read your comments, we were both crying. She said, "Be sure to tell Allison she is an excellent writer." I said I would. You are. I did.

 

We are so appreciative of having found these animals, this community and Kim and all at Song Dog.

 

There's that scene in "Avatar" where the guy asks how do you know which creature is "yours". They all laugh and say, "It's the one that tries to kill you."

 

These crazy, wild beasts don't literally try to kill you but they sure consume your heart.

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they sure consume your heart.

 

So true.

 

Thanks for the kind words. I admit to being a little misty during that post, as well. It's your very, happy dogs, that kindled the emotion.

 

I do love that about the pictures we share on the forum. It's a great honor to know so many of your dogs.

 

We went to dinner with some cat people, last night, and forced them to look at several forum pictures. If you had told me a few years ago, that I would be doing that, I would not have believed you, but there it is.

 

Another thing I love about this photo, is all the dog toys, off to the side.

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This photo is just what I needed to remind me that two dogs playing can look a whole lot scarier than it is. I've been able to let my Chow/Shepherd and my 10-week old AI dog off leash together to play in the fenced yard since the third day after she arrived. I'm trying hard to learn the signals to be sure the little one is safe. I've been stunned to see how gentle MooShoo is with her...leaping over her, and teasing her to chase him, then backing off the instant she goes down low to signal she needs a time out. I'm still having a tough time in the house though. Nami is always pestering Moosh and when we're in close quarters where he really can't get very far away from her I find myself separating them rather than letting them work things out on their own. My concern is that Nami is so little in comparison (8 lbs versus 45 lbs)...am I wrong? I keep thinking I should wait until she is bigger to let them sort out the hierarchy between them. I just don't want either one of them to push the other to the point where they get hurt. The size difference seems to be about the same as your Wicca and Draco...how do you manage the puppy pestering when they are indoors? My Nami looks so much like your Wicca...I wonder if they have the same parents? I'll have to go back and check your first posts on Wicca's arrival to see. Namequa's sire was Talon and dam was Kona II. She was born on June 7th. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.

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This photo is just what I needed to remind me that two dogs playing can look a whole lot scarier than it is. I've been able to let my Chow/Shepherd and my 10-week old AI dog off leash together to play in the fenced yard since the third day after she arrived. I'm trying hard to learn the signals to be sure the little one is safe. I've been stunned to see how gentle MooShoo is with her...leaping over her, and teasing her to chase him, then backing off the instant she goes down low to signal she needs a time out. I'm still having a tough time in the house though. Nami is always pestering Moosh and when we're in close quarters where he really can't get very far away from her I find myself separating them rather than letting them work things out on their own. My concern is that Nami is so little in comparison (8 lbs versus 45 lbs)...am I wrong? I keep thinking I should wait until she is bigger to let them sort out the hierarchy between them. I just don't want either one of them to push the other to the point where they get hurt. The size difference seems to be about the same as your Wicca and Draco...how do you manage the puppy pestering when they are indoors? My Nami looks so much like your Wicca...I wonder if they have the same parents? I'll have to go back and check your first posts on Wicca's arrival to see. Namequa's sire was Talon and dam was Kona II. She was born on June 7th. Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.

Hi, Here's two cents coming from Michigan -- Definitely let the dogs sort out their pecking order. Your chow will not hurt the puppy. They will play and set their alpha order but will not get killed doing it. It will sound a lot worse than it is. If you keep breaking it up, they will stay confused. Let them go, be there to watch but don't interfer. You'll be surprised, really. Trust me.

JudyK in Northern Michigan

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This photo is just what I needed to remind me that two dogs playing can look a whole lot scarier than it is.

 

I just don't want either one of them to push the other to the point where they get hurt.

 

The size difference seems to be about the same as your Wicca and Draco...how do you manage the puppy pestering when they are indoors?

 

My Nami looks so much like your Wicca...I wonder if they have the same parents?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.

 

Yes, the "ritualized play" can look real but we humans just need to remember it's virtually real.

 

Unfortunately, even ritualized play can cause real injury. Did you see Draco's bite from doggie daycare? And, Wicca is currently nursing a very sore left shoulder. It really hinders some of her best wrestling holds and, especially, some of the wicked, artistic & gymnastic evasive and assaulting moves that are worthy of best canine ninjas.

 

But, while she is favoring and self-limiting her behavior she still attacks Draco with a full ferocity. He submits or dominates whichever is his role of the moment with lupine authenticity worthy of an Academy Award.

 

Two interesting examples.

 

Draco is chasing Wicca. He is just about ready to chest-bump her when she does her judo inspired shoulder role. They still collide but after a somersault she comes up yipping and howling and not only limping from left shoulder but her right hip. We come running, but what I want to point out is Draco. He immediately stopped playing and began nursing her. She licked his nose in forgiveness. And he hovered with us until she was ready to go.

 

Example two. A few hours later, I watched almost the same scenario developing. This time, at the last moment, Draco pulled off and didn't touch her; didn't come close. This time, however, Wicca made almost exactly the same noise!! Sometimes the little ones FAKE IT. :blink: Knowing how to sound that hurt may someday provide just a moments hesitation in a combatant -- what sly creatures. Or get some extra loving from Mom & Dad.

 

Indoors? They still have to work it out themselves. I'm trying to get a little movie of what we call "Wookie Wars" because it sounds like two Wookies doing battle to the death. I think Star posted a video or a link to a video about her dogs doing that too. (What did you call it, Star?)

 

At it's most vicious sounding I wouldn't be afraid to put my hand into the middle of their mouths. They know our hands and know it is a definite NO. A trainer Joan and I used told us that from a very, very early age they know exactly where their teeth are -- like we know where our hands are. (To which Joan and I laugh -- most of the time!)

 

That being said, we have also thought that, especially, indoors, we are the Humans so we call the shots. If it's too much for you, I would simply, calmly distract them into a different activity. One of our favorite in-house evening activities is Search. We started with hiding a treat in another room and have progressed to hiding objects like toys and socks. We sometimes help if it's a hard location but usually let them Search until they find it. And, oh, how they love the joy of having found and been rewarded for finding. What a fun, stimulating challenge.

 

And then they go right back to wrestling!

 

Wicca was born April 22nd of Niki & Jay Silverheels. They do have that similar marking pattern. I've got some new photos I've been threatening to post. Wicca has these amazing little feathery wispy stripes of white showing through the black. I'll pictures elsewhere, but I mention it only to say -- observe. Watch them closely as they change amazingly and subtly every day.

 

And remember, staying strong in the bad times is an investment into future good times.

 

Post lots of questions. Post even more answers. And as many photos as you can.

Edited by Gib
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I think Star called that one monsters under the bed.

 

We play "Find it". They absolutely love that game.

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What a wonderful pick for Dog(s) of the Month Allison! Gib your comment about "consume your heart" says it all!!! :) They do it without you even knowing!!! Great shots!!!

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  • 3 months later...

Here is a link to the breed standard, on Kim's page:

 

Breed Standard

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