ARE YOU "EASIER" WITH YOUR SECOND DOODLE?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

When we first got Guinness we decided we would not allow him up on the furniture...except the bed at night for our "cuddle time". A couple of times he tried to jump on the couch, and I told him "no". I really don't think he could have actually gotten up there anyway. It became a "non issue" after that...he just didn't try anymore.

I had bought a couple of Easter stuffed animals for the grand kids, and they were sitting on the daybed in our den. Last night, Murphy was prancing around with the bow that was around the neck of the duck with Guinness chasing him trying to get it. I went upstairs, and sure enough the duck way laying on the floor. I figured Guinness had been able to reach it from the side. I put it back and pushed it way to the back this time. This morning...same thing. Murphy was running around with that bow. I took it away from him and he ran back upstairs, so I followed. Sure enough he went into the den, and jumped right up onto the couch. This time he laid down with the two stuffed animals between him and taunted his brother, who still wouldn't even try to get up on the couch. They didn't see that I was watching. I actually thought the whole scene was hysterical. It didn't bother me in the least.

After a few minutes though I thought I should probably tell him "no" and get him down (and hide the bunny and duck). Anyway, I realized how much more relaxed I am this time around. I probably will still discourage them from getting on the furniture. I just don't want to deal with them coming in wet and dirty and hopping up on the white sofa. I think it's a lot like when I had my second daughter. I know in retrospect I was easier on her than my oldest (and they remind me of this regularly). Anybody else feel this way? Is it a "second child" thing?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

The white couch and the daybed where the kids sleep when they visit are my last two hold outs. The guys have the run of the rest of the house. Right now though my resolve is dwindling quickly. "Tan" is also a good couch color, right?

[DeeDee and Sheila]

I vote for poor, neglected, first child Guinness to be able to get on the daybed also! RHIP!!! I know as a first child I would have had a FIT if a mere second or third got to do anything I didn't get to do first. Oh, we poor first kids or dogs. Smile!!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I started answered this yesterday but when I read it back I thought my answers was filled wi poop!
Yes, charli gets away with things that Samantha never would have at that age. But, we are pretty laid back with the furniture rules and the like except one - never, ever will any fog in my house beg for food. They lay on their 'spots" and when we are done, they get a treat. Other than that we are a free roaming house.

[Kathy Spyker]

Some day if DH lets me get another doodle I might be able to answer this ;-((

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Wait til you get past two!!!! Dogs or children.....

[Ann Kendig]

Sadly no. Because Duke is such a stinker at times I really had to crack down on that boy! I think if Duke had not needed more discipline than Sheba I would had been easier on him. Sometimes I sneak behind Duke's back and let Sheba do things I would't let him do. Shhhh, don't tell Duke!

[Anna and Achilles]

What a good boy Guinness is for sticking to the rules.

[Adina P]

My dogs were acquired so close in time that neither got off easier. We shall have to see how it goes with any future doods! Lucky Murphy!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Absolutely, Guinness! We would love to have you here, and as an added bonus, here you would be the little brother!
But I really don't think it's going to come to that, much as I would love to have you. Your mom loves you with all her heart and would never part with you! She is just going through temporary puppy insanity....your "tough" Mom will be back any day now! Probably as soon as it gets really muddy outside!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks for your understanding, Aunt Karen. My Mom doesn't understand. This little Dood gets away with EVERYTHING, and they all keep saying...."isn't he cute". I'm the smart one; I'm the one who always behaves. This is actually my house, and I've been a really good brother and have been sharing EVERYTHING. It would be okay if he climbs on the couch as long as he passes the pillows and other good chewy stuff down to me. But no, he kept it to himself. I was really mad about those stuffed animals. I wanted to have my way with them, but he hogged them up there and wouldn't even share. Enough is enough...I want my tough Mom back. If she calls that puppy cute one more time, that's it. Can I tell her I'm going to go live with you unless she "shapes up"?