Tiny Humans

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Ragley has always been a very people-oriented dog. She likes other dogs, don't get me wrong, but she definitely gravitates towards the people around her. At puppy playtime, she always made her rounds along the perimeter of the play area to say hello to all the other owners; at the park, she greets the owners before acknowledging the dogs; on walks, she looks genuinely offended if someone walks by us without meeting her. This is both a handicapping and fantastic quality. Her interactions with other dogs is limited by this (daycare, play dates, dog parks, etc.), but she truly does connect with people and brings joy to everyone around her. 

Her absolute most favorite kinds of people, though, are those wonderful, joyful miniature humans! You know- the ones that talk funny, are much smaller, and occasionally pet a little too hard. I have noticed that Ragley seems to prefer kids. She is always so excited to meet them! Of course, I am sure to carefully control these situations when they arise, but she always impresses me with how well she will calmly sit then lay down and allow them to approach her, pet her, and give her treats. When it is children I know well (older cousins etc.), I will even allow them to hold her as she loves being snuggled and held. Don't worry- I never do this in any situation in which I feel she would be in danger of being dropped. She just soaks up all this attention and gladly plays along with being a big snuggly teddy bear of a puppy.

Is it normal for dogs to prefer certain age groups of people? She likes all people, but those tiny humans just bring out the best in her!

[Rose Coward]

She has a dish of the same food and water in both residences, (a practice we'd like to continue unless she starts having weight issues), 
Michal is a work from the home mom so she's home with Molly all day. 
I do most of Molly's grooming, (though she tries to be patient it is really is something she's usually happy to see end).
I was originally feeding Molly home prepared dog food (but I found her stools were inconsistent so I ceased) that may have been a deciding factor.  Now I don't give her anything but her dog food, except occasionally I pour a little leftover cooking fat on her kibbles.

Upstairs she's allowed to clean up under the kitchen table, and with a toddler well you know ...
I was treat training her but she learned what I was most interested in teaching her so that hasn't happened in awhile. 
My daughter is the better disciplinarian Molly listens really well to her, when Molly is misbehaving she tells her to go lie down in her corner and Molly listens.  Drop it (when she picks up something she's not supposed to have)  Back off (when she's imposing herself on guests). 

She's allowed on my couches downstairs but not on my daughter's upstairs.

The nights she sleeps downstairs she's allowed to sleep on my bed, not so upstairs (though she prefers to sleep under my bed anyway).

Oh, I do play the "hide the treat" game with her, that reminds me, I should get my son-in-law to play that with her upstairs.

So, in short there's factors on both sides but yes, the early home cooking and the treat-training might have played a part. 

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Sounds like you make a great effort to spread the responsibilities to help Molly adapt to the situation!

[Ashley, Sadie and Coal]

We are Ragley fans, and this just makes us love her more.  Both of our pups also seem to LOVE people of all ages and sizes. Like Ragley, they are okay with other dogs, but humans are their favorite. They get so excited to greet people they know and to meet new people.  Sometimes I think they would go home with just anyone and not even miss us!  

Is Ragley planning to be a therapy dog?  It seems like she would make a great one.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

That is the plan! We have a long way to go, but it is something I think she would be marvelous for

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Great photos!  Quincy is fascinated by little kids as he does not see them often.  I am always afraid he will knock one down, which is what our lab did to a visiting cousin, trying to get her to play.  Since my son really did not get along with this particular cousin, my son thought that was great....

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Love your photos! The little humans are adorable:)  Libby loves our six granddaughters ranging in ages 5 to 16, but the youngest is the one she gravitates to first!  Of course, the youngest is totally in love with dogs in general.  She just waits for these girls to come over and enjoys every minute with them.  She loves all children and wants to play immediately.  As for adults, she is a little shy until she gets to know them and sometimes very protective over us when coming up to a stranger.