Yesterday my friend Tori brought her 10 week old Australian Shepherd puppy Ani to play with Stella for the second time.  Things went much better and the two of them gradually settled into what puppies do; biting each other, chasing, teasing and setting boundaries.  I think Stella is still a little intimidating to Ani.  Ani would make sure there was a chair or table or Tori's legs to hide behind just in case a brief time out was needed.  The photo I posted isn't great but Ani has a beautiful face and a natural smile I wanted you to see. They eventually started tug of war games with the toys, one of which is in the photo.

Stella's left ear is up and I promise not to mention ears again as I am getting flack for being so concerned about them.  But now that they are both up and where they should be she has that adorable perky Jack Russell look that defines the breed. OK.....nuf said about ears.

Leash training is coming along.  I do two short sessions a day and yesterday we ventured out into the front yard where I knew there would be added distractions.  She has been out there before but I held her and just let her look around.  Gordo continues to be a good example for her except for his barking at people coming to the house.  He was also aggressive toward Ani yesterday.  He seems to see himself as Stella's protector.   I try not to make a big deal about these things and just keep him under control with a leash or isolate him until he settles.  Luckily, his barking and temperament have not rubbed off on Stella and I am hopeful that the opposite will happen in time.  I took him for a walk later in the day, just the two of us and he is so good.  I think his and my time alone is important and seems to calm him.