#baronyofthesilverwolf

Dame Gladiola focuses on begining the training to the pups, the ones that will make better prepared dogs of the squad for their new homes. It goes beyond teaching them how to sit, stay, heel...

Great Pyrenees, as a standard temperament, are : Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Territorial

The typical Caucasian Shepherd or Russian Bear Dog is: Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial

And so, a mishmash destined to be a new breed shows a drift on how soft and fluffy they're meant to be. Some definitely favor mom personality wise, not surprising given mom's firm example as well as her being the Bitch who whelped them. But Gwen is surprised how strong the father's blood is too. Fae hounds are amazing, and more than a few puppies show his easier going nature

Fortunately, she has a secret weapon in taking them through the ropes, "Show them how it's done, Ivan" She puts her own dog through the paces while the pups watch. By seeing Ivan as a role model, who shows them how to perform, they're more motivated to show proper pack behaviorr

Ivan, of course, loves it. While he's too good a boy to grumble TOO much, his person's duties means he has to share her a bit with every other canine. Though the bed , or at least bed room, is his! And don't think he doesn't feel smug about that

But here, he's the center of attention, the 'good boy' who praise is lavished upon in front of puppies who dream of being as cool as their older half sib!

Well, okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but it helps!

Puppies see Ivan do, Puppies do too

often to comical effect

But even when they don't get it right, they show where their strengths lay, and what weak areas need shored up. Gwen has learned a lot from the Baron on making sure the dogs feel they have a natural order to things. Dogs like structure, and when you introduce them to new tasks, it's best to incorporate the tasks into that. The good news is, the same independent inclinations of the blood line makes them more adaptable to sudden shifts than some more rigid breeds would be. And, these are fae hounds, far smarter than ordiary dogs

But that Gold one maybe the smartest. The DeBukes are getting a prize there. Of course they're all wonderful Gwen observes

the powder hued one, well, she's an ear biter, but not with malice. She's also a natural explorer and takes to trying new things . I think her willingness to explore might serve well on some hunts or searches

The frosty one also like dad in fur color with a bit more fluff perhaps, and might just be the friendliest. Which may hinder in guarding, but its all relative.

And Dote wags along! (Supervising!)

"Dote, sweety, I know you worry about them , but if you watch I don't want you upset. This is rough and tumble, puppy boot camp" Gwen is not blind that while Mischhka is the tough but firm Mom, Dote has become their Aunt who spoils them a bit.

Not that the Glennies are powder puff, they're tough little workers, and have kept voles and the like away from the lodge. Something Gwen does not tell Bluebell. OF course, they know Bluebell's scentt in both forms and leave her be.

The Dusky one seems a bit frustrated. Shes is the leader of the litter, a real prize among a lot of prizes, and Gwen suspects her liege covets that one most, originally for her smooth dark cast of color so close to Ailil Sable, but later as her boldness and leadership developed, her personality. But she thinks she knows better than Ivan, and maybe more than people. Huh, guess she IS Alil

"Easy girl," She assures the Dusk one, "the others look up to you. How about tthis. You do what Ivan does, and the others follow you?"

And this seems to power her up

Blaze moves loyally along the tasks assigned. He's a natural folower, and so badly wants to serve that Gwen's heart goes out to him.

So back to the lessons.

*******

Aiden looks over at Nadeen. "Do you think that Sir Sergei will like the treats Marigold procured? She says they are traditional Russian fare, but I am not certain he has a sweet tooth."

"Sir Sergei is a hard one to read. A true iceman. He has likes, dislikes, but keeps most close to his vest. I am sure he will appeciate the gesture though"

"I must wonder if there is still a grudge there. Perhaps the addition to his kennels will sweeten his temperament far more than any honied cake could.

"I somehow doubt he would deal treacheously wherre it involves dogs or hawks" she admits "And he has a rapport with blossom"

"As long as it is a true rapport... it is one thing if it originally sprang from a mutual affection for... the departed Dame. But another if they still wish to stand by her side in the future." A touch of worry in his expression.

She takes his hand, to comfort

He squeezes her hand, and the shadow lifts.