I got off work today at 4 pm. When I got home I find Kodi & my smooth fox terrier Gromit Playing on the fence line. Gromit was barking at Kodi & when he stoppped barking Kodi would paw the fence. Gromit ran along the fence & Kodi would chase him with his head down. this was sooo fun to watch. I then though that since Kodi is already in a playful engaging mood that I should go "play" with Kodi also. I bundled up in my coveralls so as the sun lowered in the sky I would not freeze out before our game was over.
I put the dogs away with their supper so they do not interfere with my time with Kodi. I then sat out on the washtub & waitied. It didn't take Kodi long to come over & carefully back his hiney up to me for butt scratches. I was able to catch this on my cell , not the greatest video but it shows how Kodi is engaging with me. This has taken almost 2 months with Macho being gone for Kodi to choose to engage at liberty with me. We tried a bit of leading from behind but still feels more like chasing than leading so I walked away from Kodi instead. I stood & Kodi circled me, first about 20 ft out then getting as close as about 5 foot. I just stood & turned as he went around. Remember this is in a LARGE area & Kodi is at Liberty. It is HIS choice to do what he does. He stopped by the scraggly tree in his pen & rubbed his face very deliberately on the branch. I REALLY wanted to get a bit more engagement from Kodi so I chose to sit down on the ground. Kodi came over to see what I was doing. He started to back to me for but scratches as I was sitting down. I just ignored this, I wanted to see his nose. I laid down on my side, propped up on one arm. Kodi came over & sniffed my head & face. I just laid very still. He then turned around & really wanted butt scratches. I did not think it was safe to give but scratches, as I was lying on the ground, so I just stayed still & waited. He came back again & sniffed all up & down my legs, feet & body. I raised my hand up for him & he sniffed & tickled me with his lips. FINALLY engagement from his nose not his butt!!!! He "tasted" my coveralls a bit. I didn't want to shoo him away at this point & figured as long as he didn't get to my body through the coveralls I would let him explore as far as he wants to. Kodi spent about 5 minutes really checking me out as I laid on the ground very still. I chose to end our session at this point. FINALLY!!!!!!!! Kodi is engaging!!! What a great day. I wonder what changes will happen when Macho comes home next week.
