No More "Mister Nice Guy"!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It has finally happened.  My sweet little Guinness has turned into a "thug".  He's been pushed around by his big "little brother" for long enough....and he's so DONE.  It started gradually a few weeks ago when he decided that Murph would NOT take his toys away ever again.  In the past, he'd just lay there while Murph took away a squeaky toy or antler that he was savoring.  Yup, Murph would stand right over him looking intimidating, and then just take it right away.  Guinness did nothing....he just looked so sad.  Some would say that he "grew a pair", but we all know that's not possible.  I really don't know what happened, but it's all different now.  Guinness growls and snaps when Murph comes near him with a toy, and big Murph is now backing right off.  He's not messing with the little guy. For the most part, I'm staying out of their "top dog" contest.  Guinness is taking his new found courage "on the road" too.  We were at my daughter's last week, and Guinness was putting up with no harassment from her new puppy who was trying to nip at him...he put him right in his place.  Can this really be Guinness?  What happened to submissive?  Can dogs just change their personalities?  I don't get it.  This morning I watched as Guinness chased his brother around the house...big Murph was "scared straight".  It used to be that Murph with chase Guinness right under the bed where he'd hide out in total fear....now Murph seems to be scared to death, and he can't find a place to hide.  Who knew?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Over the past couple of days, I've seen Guinness taking this new found confidence to a level I just don't like, so we talked to the trainer about what might be happening.  He said it's hard to know for sure, but this was his "take" on it.  Murphy has changed a lot over the past few months will all of the training we've done.  He is much calmer now and is no longer challenging things the way he did in the past.  Guinness is very aware of this change, and is probably seeing this as a way to "elevate" his position in the household.  Murph clearly had been in the "top dog" position, but now he's not appearing to be even interested in that.  The trainer noticed yesterday at the beginning of our walk that Guinness (who had been heeling really well) was trying to get out in front, and had to be corrected several times before he got back into a good heel.  I also noticed this morning that he was back to his old habit or standing guard at the front door.  I had stopped that behavior because it often led to barking....but it's back.  It's so interesting to me how smart our Doodles are....there's never a dull moment.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Kona and Owen are daily trying to outsmart one another to get the prize they think the other one has. It is hilarious to watch one start to bark and run, the other drops a toy and chases the phantom while the first dog runs back and grabs the toy. Or there is the toy vs antler exchange you described between Murph and Guinness. Silly Doods! We laugh every time. Maybe they are just entertaining us. haha.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

"All I'm asking for is a little respect from ya Murphy, R-E-S-P-E-C-T!"

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

@ Karen....perhaps Murph is a scholar athlete versus the dumb jock after all.  I'm still in shock.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Cracking up here! Looks like Mr. Murph is now being forced to use his brains instead of his brawn, and he is definitely rising to the challenge!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I just saw something I never thought I'd see in my lifetime.  Guinness was laying down beside me with an antler, chewing away.  Murph was staring at him coveting that antler.  In days past he would just take it away.  Well he didn't.  He went to the other room and found Guinness's favorite squeaky toy and brought it in and dropped it next to Guinness, who immediately dropped the antler to play with his toy.  Murph then strolled away with the antler.  Can this even be possible?  My mind is blown.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

get'm Guinness!!! GRRRR DOODLE!!  you show Murph who is Boss!!  xoxo Rosey & Bandit

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

This sounds EXACTLY like Chloe and Myla-Myla steals from Chloe's mouth all the time and Chloe just puts her head down. We cheer when Chloe stands up for herself! We're like get her Chloe you can do it and lately Chloe has been egging Myla on in a play stance wagging her tail stealing Myla's favorite ball, etc. Chloe can't grow a few either but she took her out with the rubber bone toy-just posted a video. There's just so much they can take I guess!!! Very interesting!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Tina, The right quote came to me right before I read your comment. Yes, that is the movie. Thank you!!

[Pat and Traveler]

So funny!  Little Guinness has found his 'big dog' personality.  Cute that Murph can't find a place to hide.  :)