Claire the House Dog

  About a month ago, Claire had a change in status, to house dog!  She adapted very quickly, immediately deciding the couch was a nice place for a nap, expecting treats every time she comes inside and getting lots of pets while we watch television.
  Sometimes she acts like she thinks this is a temporary change, as her behavior going outside is definitely different than coming back in. 
  I take Claire outside with me at mealtimes, giving her an opportunity to spend some time in the play yard and visit with the other dogs.  She doesn't mind being there once we finally arrive, but sometimes the journey is arduous!
  When Claire sees we are going outside, she often balks at the doorway, almost causing me to trip over her.  Not good when I'm carrying an armload of food bowls! 
  She also "loses" her hearing or can't seem to understand "let's go," "hurry up," or even "come."  Miraculously, Claire not only "regains" her hearing upon the return to the house, she doesn't need a single command to get moving!
  Claire had some of her house access restricted recently as she had come into season, but now she's ready for a bath and access to the couch once again!  Just in time, too.  The wood stove is going full blast and I know she'll like napping nearby.  It's nice to have a dog in the house full time and I always enjoy giving one of the seniors the opportunity for special status. 

Mass Exodus

  With Lauren and Mosby now having their storm phobias, they readily escape their kennel when a storm is nearby.  Or, sometimes, they get out when it's just raining...or it's windy..or, who knows???  We moved them to the puppy/senior yard which is escape proof (we think) but frequently bring them inside at night.
  But then, Phoebe started barking at several periods during the night for no apparent reason.  So now she also comes inside.  And, because Claire thinks she needs to go wherever her sister goes, she sleeps in the house, too.
  Then, Dixie discovered her kennel door has an opening that she could squeeze through and started to leave her kennel at various times.  She doesn't have a storm phobia, doesn't bark at the wildlife or even try to get out of the main gate.  My husband says Dix is only getting out because she knows she can!
  For the others--what is going on???  Why don't the dogs like their kennel house anymore???  Obviously we need to repair some fences, which we are hesitant to do until the storm season is over as we don't want to take a chance that the dogs will hurt themselves trying to escape during an electrical storm.  I don't mind dashing outside (or sending David) to bring in the dogs when we see the clouds coming up from the valley.
  Actually, I don't mind having half the dogs in the house at night!  Phoebe though, has let me know that she is now house dog status and I've complied.  Her time in the kennel is a couple of hours in the morning and a couple of hours in the evening.  The other dogs have not picked up on the fact that I readily acquiesce to what they want so we currently have the upper hand.  But...stay tuned!