Bentley Meets Mylu

When visitors arrive each day we have a pretty set routine for introductions. Even though everyone probably already knows each other. It seems to work best to reunite one on one, every new visit. It takes a bit of time, but, it allows me to gauge their behaviours and clearly see how interactions might go later. Perhaps someone is feeling particularly "off" for some reason.I'd like to know that in advance.
I've been thinking that all our visitors have already met at some point in time.
The other morning, I was preparing everyone for the arrival of our youngest boy, Bentley. As I was setting up the boundaries to allow for the one on one meetings, it occurred to me that Miss Mylu and young Bentley have never been here at the same time. Wow! Can that be right? Well if they have, I certainly have no record of it. nor is it in my "very good memory". (stop laughing)

Our darling Speed Bunny, lil Molly was visiting and decided to detain Bentley from his meeting with the wonderful Miss Mylu. They were off and zooming before Miss Mylu had any chance to form an opinion of young Bentley.

Bentley was just as excited to see his new found zooming buddy. He waltzed right past Mylu like she was a worn out toy and headed straight to lil Molly. Mylu would have to be content with the Royals for now.

We did finally get that meeting to happen once Bentley was more focused and calm. His initial reaction was to raise his tail high and go into full awareness. Mylu casually walked up with a lowered tail and only slowly raised it. She is the most relaxed dog I have these days. I knew there would be no worries as long as Bentley could contain himself and not jump on her back.

Bentley- "Yipes! Am I safe?"

He "said"  his one quick "hello" and then his tail dropped. His expressions showed he wasn't exactly sure of his safety with this BIG black dog. Mylu continued on with her very polite hello. Then, Im sure much to Bentley's relief, Mylu simply walked away. She was such a good girl with him.

With a bit of encouragement from me and the added security of the "two Mollys" Bentley decided it might be safe to lay close. Like a true border collie pup he stayed alert in case he needed to make a quick getaway.

Two Molly's oversee Bentley while he checks out the relaxing Mylu

Lil Molly is mostly tolerant of Mylu. Even so, we keep them well  monitored and sometimes separated. There have been issues between them  in the past and we want to make sure only positive interactions happen  to build a pawsitive history for them.

Several times he looked to lil Molly for added support.

Lil Molly soon walked off and left Bentley alone. Then as though Mylu tried to put Bentley's mind at ease. She picked up a toy and began to gently play with it. Bentley stayed put and offered no response at all.


Was Mylu showing him the toys belonged to her? Or was she really displaying calmness for his benefit? I dunno, but she certainly stayed calm for him. While Bentley didn't offer to engage he also never walked away.  These two are scheduled to return on the same days again soon. We look forward to a time when they will romp and play together.
I maintain, the effectiveness of one on one meetings for the greatest chance of future successful relationships.
All dogs differ and they certainly have friends they like best and ones they would rather avoid. Don't we all?