Coming Into His Own

Dear Leo,

We think you've finally realized you are no longer the "baby" of the family's extended dog pack. Last time we visited the "grandparents" we noticed you were finally relaxed and content to ignore Jax in your surroundings, rather than what has, up until now, been the usual wary, nervous Leo we usually witness in such situations. At one point, we even noticed you bossing Kansas around, when she and Jax were trying to relive and reminisce their puppyhood days, attempting to cavort and chase each other around the yard. You didn't like that! You don't like sharing your sister with her littermate, and have always gotten fussy when they played together in the past. This time you flat out barked at her until she got the message and stopped!

During that trip, you were wary of Hank, seeing him for the first time since that week he spent in our yard. You and Jax set to growling at him through the fence upon his first arrival, "Interloper! Go away!", until we made you behave and allow him entry. Hank is still a little guy, too excited and bent on silly puppy things for his own good. He needs continued socialization with you older guys in order to learn his place and learn how to behave. Jax put him in his place a few times during that trip, and last week's visit was better, though no different. Y'all still didn't want to let him in the yard, though he was much better behaved once he remembered who you all were and figured out that he was the low man on the totem pole again.

Your daddy says you even corrected Hank at one point! We've never seen you do that before! Though you certainly have not ever been in a position to need to do so until now. You didn't like Hank's anxious, pushy behavior, trying to come between you and your daddy when he was petting you, and you let Hank know it by clamping down on his snout! We are so proud of you! Growing up has taken you a long time, and has been slow going, but you are getting there and getting it! Just keep being patient with that little guy, he'll get it figured out, too. Just as you finally realized you are no longer the youngest, newest dog in the family, he will figure out that you, Kanas, Jax and Mollie are his elders and he will settle into his own little niche. He needs you guys to show him the ropes and teach him how to behave, because he's too excited and spazzed out most of the time to figure things out on his own!