As Ayla grows closer and closer to age two (she’ll be 18 months in 10 days), it seems that her behaviors continue to change. She has definitely begun to calm down a bit although she can still run circles around us most days and generally has at least one daily FRAP. But there are some more subtle things I’ve noticed in the last few days that make us wonder if she’s really just growing up or if she’s plotting something terrible and acting like an angel before she eventually strikes. πŸ™‚

We’re in the habit of asking Ayla what she wants when she comes into the room and barks or looks at us. We go through the usual list of potential things she could want (water, ice, go outside, etc) and she will generally bark or wag her tail as an indication that we’ve guessed correctly. Sometimes she doesn’t really respond so we tell her to show us what she wants. Last night Ayla led me into the kitchen where my flip-flops were laying and just stood there looking at them. I assumed this meant I was supposed to put them on and as soon as I had, she led me out the door, which I could only interpret as her telling me, “Mom, let’s go play outside, huh?”

Something else I noticed is that in the past day or so, Ayla has finally grasped the concept of the command “give.” We’ve only been working on it since we brought her home and she understands it inside when she brings us a toy – but never wanted to give anything back when we play outside. But all the sudden, she’s giving me the ball which naturally receives massive amounts of praise each time. I also have to wonder if this has something to do with me not throwing the ball so far away each time she releases it? After all, I can understand not wanting to be forced to run 10 yards away to retrieve something I gave to my human which they just immediately toss away. πŸ™‚

There’s also things like her not eating all the new plants Stefan’s parents planted for us around the courtyard. Usually the plants will stay in their pots for a week tops before she gets bored at some point and goes to town on them…or maybe we’re doing better at wearing her out during the day? But I kind of doubt the latter. Perhaps our master training is finally just sinking in πŸ™‚

At any rate, Ayla certainly seems to be having a change of heart these days and we’re far from complaining. Although we’ve loved her through the ups and downs, it’s much easier to enjoy her company when she’s not trying to chew off your hand or didn’t just destroy something. πŸ™‚