Wrigley and Brooke have some issues with toys, (Brooke has cool ones and Wrigley wants them) but outside of that their relationship is pretty smooth. Wrigley seems like she doesn't really care about Brooke, which is good since we dont have to worry about her pestering her. Brooke is starting to really like Wrigley - watching her walk around and smiling at her alot. This is also good because she reacts to Wrigley with curiosity versus something like fear.
So we have a happy family and go about our day. Its tough sometimes balancing the toy issue. Wrigley wont get off the play mat. When I play with other toys with Brooke, it winds up Wrigley ... who then grabs her toys and wants me to play with her. I'm getting better at balancing both of their needs, and Wrigley and I hang out a lot while Brooke naps.
But there is something new I have had some challenges with. I speak to Brooke all of the time to help her get used to language and start understanding words. I talk to her conversationally, but also talk to her using simple words to try to get her to associate actions and objects. I realized a while ago that I had some problems with some of the things I say to her:
"Good Girl!"
"Who's Here?"
"Let's Go!"
"Are You Hungry?"
Things like this I have noticed I say pretty frequently, and they are all terms that Wrigley knows very well because they have been devoted primarily to her for the past 5 years. So know when I say these things, Wrigley either gets overly excited or confused. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to give Wrigley a treat after telling Brooke "Good Girl" because she (Wrigley) assumes she must have done something good :)
My newest issues is with "Roll Over". Brooke is about the age where she should/could be able to roll over (though it may not happen for a while). When we are on the floor I always put her on her tummy to play for a bit, then I say "Roll Over!" as I slowly roll her over to her back. Unfortunately, "Roll Over" is a trick Wrigley knows. No matter where she is in the house, or how quiet I say the words, she comes running. She wants to do her trick. And of course, she wants a treat in return.
I'm not sure if Brooke & Wrigley will get used to sharing these words, or if I will need to teach Brooke some sort of different language or unique phrases :) Perhaps instead of roll over I should say "180" or "put your tush on the floor" or "other side". For now, its quite obvious my dog commands will simpply not do.
