Alpha Dog

We don't have any animals, but we have lots of friends and family that do. Nicholas' parents have a dog, and she has been pretty good with Lil' D (even when he cries!). Now that Lil' is very mobile, he is very aware of everything on the floor at his level, including dogs. Lil' D shows no fear with exploring his environment and tries to crawl right up to dogs. Each dog reacts a little differently.

Halley--Nicholas' Parents' dog (Golden Retriever)
Halley is pretty good with Lil' D. She lets Lil' D touch her, and just walks away when she is tired of Lil' D. She has learned that Lil' D drops food on the floor, but is careful to only grab it once Lil' D lets go.

Izzy--Nicholas' Aunt and Uncle's dog (Standard Poodle)
Izzy wasn't really sure what to think of Lil' D. Lil' D would try to crawl up to her, and Izzy would back up and bark. Lil' D would growl back, and Izzy would bark more. At one point, Izzy tried to hide behind me! Apparently the bark Izzy was using for Lil' D was different than any bark she has ever used before!

Theo--The Dellagiacoma's dog (Grand Pyrenees)
We went to meet the newest addition to Lil' D's 2011 baby friends. The Dellagiacoma's have two dogs, Theo and Lucy. Lucy was very friendly with Lil' D (trying to lick his face). Theo was not sure what to think of Lil' D. He kept a safe distance and barked at Lil' D from afar. When Lil' D was crawling on the floor, Theo tried to stay away from him. It was pretty cute to watch Lil' D try to chase Theo around the couch!

To recap, Lil' D gets really excited to see his furry friends. Not all the furry friends are excited to see him. Lil' D kicks his arms and legs in excitement. He gets a little high pitched scream. Sometimes he growls. Sometimes he barks back. But he definitely has no fear.