Beau has been with us going on three weeks.  I think we're all still adjusting.  We to another dog, and he to a new home with new people and packmate.  He's a very good, lovable boy and loves everyone he meets, but he's a bit needy.  That's to be expected with a dog who probably hasn't had much affection in his life.  He is kind of an attention hog, which makes it hard to give Peaches her due.  I try to give each dog some one-on-one time with me every day without the other one in the room.  I just take him or her into my office and shut the door.  I admit it's been hard splitting my affection for Peaches with a new dog after our being sole soul mates for so long, and I confess that having one dog was certainly easier in  many respects.  She still sleeps in my bed, but of course he wants to be in the bed, too.  Perhaps in time, but I think it's too soon to try that.  My greatest concern in adopting another was that Peaches' and my bond might be compromised.  But she really seems to adore him and seems happier (not bored and lonely), so it's made it easier and caused less guilt for me.  They joust with each other constantly, but he knows to be gentle with her.  He'll just flop over on his side and let her tussle with him.  It's funny to watch.  I need to get my Flip camera unloaded so I can get some footage.

I was wondering if waiting until a dog is five years old to neuter him has any real effect on the testosterone levels diminishing after neutering.  I asked at the vet's.  I talked to the vet tech, and she said it might calm him down some, but it's no guarantee.  This seems to be the consensus of the online info, too.  We'll have to wait and see.  I think I have noticed a change in the last day or so.  I'm sure he'll calm down when he feels more secure in his new surroundings.

He had an accident in the house last night, his first and only one so far.  Our fault.  We didn't walk the dogs in the evening to make sure he was emptied out, and he wasn't let out this morning when he got up.  Also, Beau knows to come back in the dog door when he's let out, but he hadn't made the connection that he needs to go out the door to the back yard to do his business.  Again, our fault because we've been letting them exit the sliding door to go out, not making them use the dog door. We worked on going out the doggie door today.  I hope he gets the idea.  I thought Peaches would teach him by example, but she's not very a good teacher, I guess.  She learned the ropes from Bubba when she joined our household.  Beau tries to barge past her all the time, and she's too timid to take the lead.

When you haven't adopted a dog in a few years (three now since Peaches came here), you tend to forget that there are always going to be hurdles to overcome with each new dog who joins the pack.  We'll get it sorted out in time.  It takes patience, persistence, and most of all consistency.