Oskar & Sir Bentley meet Bailey

I knew an introduction between Oskar and Bailey was not going to be a cake walk. It certainly wasn’t.
However, I was quite pleased when there was no over the top reaction like I had anticipated.
Good boy Oskar.
There was an expected amount of communication snarls and sneers and posturing "I cant be trusted" behaviours from Oskar and a very appropriate calming and ignoring behaviours from Bailey.
Two very good boys.

Oskar - "You stay on that side of the fence and we'll be just fine.
Bailey - "Okay, I can do that"

Bentley seems to love all the dogs he meets and the same is true for Bailey. They set off at a run and did ‘the boy’ thing playfully growling and gnawing and barring teeth and sharing a ball. At first, Bailey couldn’t decide if he wanted to play ball or tug and brought both out for Bentley to choose. That’s not a difficult decision for Sir Bentley, it’ll be ball play every time.

The fuss Oskar put up at meeting the large new puppy through a secure fence didnt last long and he moved away and onto his most important event of all times. BALL PLAY!  That's just what we did. I went back and forth from yard to yard entertaining or supervising . You're right I was getting my exercise as much as the dogs were. Ideally everyone gets along and I can keep the gates open for all to choose where they want to be and with whom.  I'm really crossing my paws our Oskar can reduce his fears and enjoy that one day.  Until then, he seems content to just be either with his brother Bentley or having me throw the ball periodically. He's patient in that regard, he can wait forever for the ball to be thrown. Or, he simply follows along with me and throws the ball at my feet, over and over again. Obsessed? Ya, a little lol  He really is a people friendly, sweet dog and he's already found a little corner in my heart.

Sir Bentley - "You love my brother Oskar, right Lady?"
Yes, I do Bentley. He's a good boy.
Soon I hope he can have the same fun you do"
Oskar- "Just throw the ball ok?"

Mom and I discussed if there has been some fear associated with meeting a new dog when Oskar was very young. Perhaps when he was going through a fear stage?
Walks became unpleasant for mom and the boys, and their exercise routines ended up happening mostly at home. There are a few dogs who walk past their gate and they’re best drama and vocalizations take place for them. Socializing is not Oskar’s best asset and mom knows he needs it. Oskar is reactive but I believe he and others can be kept safe when he’s on site. I have many indoor sturdy, secure separation gates and the yard is divided to accommodate dogs who need quiet times. He wears a secure harness and is clipped to my hip going past or around others. We’re going very slow and doing our best to keep all interactions positive and short. 

Lots of communication going on all day long and right into the night.
The good thing about these visitors, is that they all seem
to listen to and comply with each other.

Bailey - "I wish we could be friends."
Oskar - "Not yet okay?"

We spent a few days practising being in close proximity.  Being in the same room, going outdoors, being in the same yard, always behind the fence and on lead. Oskar curled his lip a few times to let us know what his limit was and everyone respected that.

As long as he's on lead and secure, Oskar can be led beside the others.

I believe, being out doors in the same yard as his brother helped to give Oskar some reassurance and comfort. It's easy to see these two love and respect each other. The difficult part was when Bentley decided he wanted to run and play with Bailey. I sat with Oskar secured by my side to begin with while Bentley and Bailey went into a rough and tumble match game. I kept a close eye on Oskar and soon saw him licking lips and making a move to edge closer. A great time to decide to bring him away from the excitement. It was just too much for him.
That's a good boy Oskar we wont do it again till you're ready  buddy.

As long as there are no sudden movements Oskar can handle it.

Bailey is young and enrolled in a positive training program and doing very well. He is successfully learning to meet new dogs in a calm manner and also gaining control over impulses. He was booked in advance to be at Royal K9 Korner during the same future times as Oskar and Sir Bentley were booked.

I hope to use these visits to encourage more positive interactions between Bailey and Oskar. My hope is that Oskar will learn not all other dogs are scary and need to be feared.

There are days scheduled when others will be present at daycare, and mom and I are looking at the possibility of Oskar going to work with her during those times. I promote a safe and fun daycare and promise I will take all the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe at all times. Thank you to those who have understood I am at capacity at the moment. I appreciate your patience and making alternate daycare arrangements or travel plans.
We are going slow as we sort out a best care plan for Oskar. I will not compromise your sweeties safety.

I always say I will accept a dog even if it has issues if we can safely work through them. Special arrangements will be made. Thank you, Bailey, for learning great social skills.  It sure helps having such a calm youngster here to help Oskar through a scary time.
Thank you Basics & Beyond, trainer, Kathi Mathwig. You are doing an AMAZING job with Bailey!

Sweet dreams boy, tomorrow is another day. 

Not a peep out of anyone all night long.