We had a very interesting conversation with the behaviorist yesterday afternoon. George and I both liked her and thought she was very good at what she does. She asked even more questions based on our telephone conversation, and then she spent time with Stewart.

The issues are very complicated and I still need to study my notes and the handouts she gave us, but we are going to try to restructure our relationship with him in some very subtle but possibly important ways. Basically, we are going to try to shift from dominating him physically (though benevolently) to dominating the distribution of resources (everything from food to toys to trips outdoors). She thought that doing so might make him less interested in dominating other dogs at the dog park by feeling less dominated himself AND by putting us in charge of all resources (that would include sticks). She saw a tiny chink in our armour that would never have occurred to me without her help, so I am encouraged. The changes she suggested are small and easily do-able.

When I mentioned how sad I was that he can't go running and wrestling at the dog park, she asked why we had not considered a muzzle so he can't pick up sticks. I never even thought of that. I guess I see muzzles as torture devices, but if it will allow him to play it might be worth it. We are going to give that a go so he can get the best exercise there is. We may receive criticism but I'm okay with that, especially if it helps him feel happier.

So we are not out of the woods yet but we do have a fresh new toolbox filled with tricks to try to get this boy to be a good citizen. Time will tell which way he will be able to go, and we just have to let his young life unfold a bit more.

Thanks for your concern and support. We love our pup so much.

MarnaLou