A period of adjustment...

There is a very high probability, that I am being too anal and overprotective with Izzy, but that is my nature.  When I am focused on something or someone, I devote my complete and total attention...so that is how I am and that is how I roll...

I got some very good advice last night from those closest to me.  My daughter suggested I be the one to scold Izzy when she barks and growls at my husband, because he can't, she is already afraid of him.  So last night when she barked and growled at him, I told her "No!" and took her into our room, where her crate is, and put in there for a time out.  I left her there for about 3 minutes (like Super Nanny instructs discipline with children), explained to her she was safe and I would protect her, but barking at my husband was unacceptable behavior.  She stood up, wagged her tail, and when she came back to the living room, she did not bark or growl the rest of the night, OR this morning when he was wearing his suit. (I am not kidding!) It may be a fluke, but it gives me hope...

My girlfriend reminded me dogs are generally more loyal to the one who rescued them. (Maybe my husband should rescue another dog and we can double our trouble??) That is why Izzy protects me and favors me.  We are just going through a period of adjustment...If we put in the time now, she will be so much better adjusted and well behaved.  It has only been 12 days, we are still getting used to one another.

Despite Mom being reluctant for me to bring Izzy, I really don't feel she will be any trouble. I need to see how she does on trips to California, because I make so many of them.  I have a strong instinct Izzy will want to please me and will mind her manners.  She will be much happier if she is with me.

I discovered she is not fearful of the vacuum, so that is unusual.  Most dogs and cats I had in the past ran and hide when I pulled out the vacuum.  She is doing so well on her potty training.  She has begun to not want to eat in the morning, she seems to prefer to eat later in the day, so I will take my cue from her... She sleeps an average of 7 hours in her crate at night, without any fanfare or fuss.  She rides well in the crate in the car. Tomorrow, on our way to California to celebrate Dad's 89th birthday, we will see how she does on a long car ride...

She loves her daily walks.  After our walk this morning, I gave her a bath.  Again, (I hate to brag, but..) she was so good...(Course I ended up taking one too) She sat in the sink as I washed her twice.  Bundled her in a towel and took her outside in the sunshine.  Gave her a good rub before I let her shake the rest off.  After a good shake from head to tail, she took off like a bullet train, smiling, leaping, bounding, I had to laugh!  She looked like she felt so good!  I know she sure smelled better!!