For the most part, when I walk into the living room, anytime during the day or night, Tzipporah is sitting up in her bed, head tilted, watching me carefully. I knew that she was getting out of her bed when she was alone, to eat and drink and pee, and I knew that she left her bed at night to explore the apartment and to beg for chicken treats from her grandma (I love to hear the tippy tappy sound of her paws dancing down the hallway to get her midnight snacks, and sometimes I get to hear her sing the song of her people when her grandma runs out of treats). But, I thought, as long as there was a human in the living room with her, Tzipporah stayed glued to her bed.
But then Mom started to tell me stories about Tzipporah stretching and running around the living room in the morning, as soon as she heard me getting up. At first, I was skeptical about those reports, thinking Mom must be exaggerating as a way to get me to believe Tzipporah was excited to see me. But then I was hurt. Why was Tzipporah willing to get out of her bed and stretch and relax only when I wasn’t in the room? What’s so great about Mom that she can be trusted and I can’t? (Okay, I know what’s so great about my mom. I’m just jealous.)
After a few days of trying to describe the whole routine to me, while Tzipporah sat staring at me from her bed, Mom was finally able to get some pictures, and even a video; and I was able to see my quiet, solemn little dog dancing and wagging her tail and hopping around, impatiently staring towards the hallway, waiting for me. And yet, as soon as I actually walked into the living room, she would rush back to her bed as if the floor had suddenly turned to lava, and then she would sit in her bed and stare at me again.
I’d like to believe that the new dance is a sign that Tzipporah loves me, since she’s acting the same way I tend to act when I really like someone (desperate to see them and then tongue-tied when I actually get the chance), but I worry that she’s just taking her last opportunity to stretch her legs before I appear. I mean, if I can turn a previously safe and comfortable living room floor into lava, I must be pretty scary.
Honesty, it’s a relief to know that Tzipporah isn’t just staying in her bed all day, though now I feel guilty for ever hanging out in the living room, because it forces her to stay in her bed and not to pee or drink or eat until I leave. My hope is that Tzipporah’s prolonged dance routine each morning is the beginning of a new phase, wherein she is eventually willing to leave her bed while I am still in the room. But, if she decides that only Grandma is allowed to see her dance, at least I’ll know that she has these wonderful moments of joy, and I’ll have the pictures to prove it.
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rachelmankowitz 
That is truly puzzling behavior. It almost seems as if Tzipporah is trolling you, but on second thought, she might be wary of authority figures for some reason. She might not categorize your mother as an authority figure, so there’s that to consider.
Yes, Grandma is her buddy and I’m the boss. Even Cricket, sometimes, saw me as the boss.
kind of sweet, her unabashed excitement in anticipation of seeing you, and obedient return to her little bed, watching your every move.
I just wish she felt safer with me.
I believe she will
Well, she is adorable even if she does not want you to see her dancing. Do you and your mom sit together in the living room so Tzipporah can see that you are as fun as your mom?
I keep trying to convince her that I am a cool Mom, but she’s skeptical.
Sweet 🐶 🙂
But sounds like she’s making progress, too. Maybe she will soon be dancing in front of you. 😊
I hope so!
Obviously she realises it’s impossible to keep an eye on your every move if she is dancing.
Interesting! I never thought of it that way!
Your emails are pure gold. Thanks!
She’s such a cute little thing!
She is!!!
Such a cute and playful dog.
Thank you!
She’s so adorable! I think it is because you are the mom. She probably thinks that you expect her to be in her bed when you walk in the room.
💜🤗
All of my dogs have had rules in mind that I could not fathom, or ever change.
The same here!
Clicked too fast. On of my poochies did the same thing. She eventually outgrew the behavior. It took a few months. 💜🤗- Lorri
This sounds SO much like Murphy! He is a completely different, more relaxed, happier-seeming guy when he is with my mom. I share your joy/jealousy. Maybe someday our dogs will enjoy us, not just their Grandmas. 😊
Grandmas are magical!
She’s so cute!
It’s funny that she’s excited to see you but she’s hiding her enthusiasm from you. I find it funny that she sees your mom as her buddy and you as the boss. I saw someone else commented that and it makes sense. I am glad your mom is providing you the evidence of Tzipporah’s true personality. She’s growing more comfortable and I’m sure she’ll continue to do even more as she gets settled.
Fingers and paws crossed!
She is just scared given the things she had to go through before she came to your home. She loves you but the same time she is scared to pieces. You two need a new ritual. Sit beside her bed on the floor (it’s important to be on her level). Don’t look at her. Read a book, play on your phone, eat an apple, whatever you feel like doing. Do not look at her. There is no dog, no reason to stare. That will give her the chance to check you out from really close. Give her all the time she needs. Take some time every day and be patience. It’s totally worth it, I promise.
I love that idea! Thank you!
I have a pair of bunnies that usually lie in their tunnel in my study roon when I am also in there. They dont do much at all all day long just snoozing in the tunnel. But if I leave the room for more than 5 mins, both will wake up and track me down. It is a sense of security and trust, and also an animal habitual behaviour. Perhaps, Taipporah is just in a habit of staying in bed when you are around to chill
It seems to be a strongly held belief system for her and I have no idea how to convince her that it’s safe to leave her bed when I’m around.
It is tricky, I must say. Perhaps you will just have to respect her decision of staying in bed when you are around. I hope this create some sense of peace to you, not disappointment.
Thank you!
Maybe her previous owner made her stay in one place all the time and she is doing it now because she loves you and is trying to please you and show you what a good girl she is.
That makes a lot of sense.
It can take a long while to develop trust after trauma. This is a good sign. 🙂
I hope so!
I think it’s cute how she’s excited that you’re coming closer and puzzled that she goes to her bed when you arrive. But your analogy of excitement and then tongue-tied is a good one – hopefully TZ will be able to dance with you one day – V
Me too! Thank you!
I don’t think it is sweet or cute at all. I am a believer that when a dog is behaving inappropriately, it is something that the human is, or isn’t doing. We are the ones that teach dogs how to behave and we are the ones that need to change our behaviour, then the dogs change their behaviour. Talk to a vet or dog behaviour person.
Does she ever actually follow you? Sadly dogs can’t tell us how they’re feeling, they can just hope that we recognise their ‘tells’ and react accordingly. Kizzy was my only rescue and she was five when I got her. She was a nervous wreck, and it took ages to gain her trust. Very much one on one, but we did have another dog which I think helped her understand routine and expectations. Maya is a big softie, and we are still learning from each other after three and a half years.
I like the suggestion that she is emerging, through your love and care for her, from a very difficult existence that predates your entry into her life. If it bothers you, it may be a good idea to consultant a dog behaviorist, but from your various reports, she appears to be getting closer and closer to leaving her cocoon.
I hope you’re right! Thank you!
Dogs are strange people. She probably sees your mom as the fun grandparent and you as mom who has to be proud of her when she’s a good girl. Likely some leftover of her time in her previous home where certainly she wasn’t commended for typical pet like behavior. Give her time. She’ll figure out you’re not at all like her old owner but just as fun and safe as a new playmate.
I hope so! Thank you!
I can almost guarantee it. 🤞🙂
Hmm, so the signal is your coming and then she dances. Maybe she’s getting the wild energy out of her system so she may attend to you when you appear. Or because around you she’s relaxed. I’m not James Herriot, so what do I know. Though I know I’m happy Tzipporah has her home with you.
Thank you!
They are the best human partners. I know Tzipporah is your best friend. Well shared 💐
Thank you!
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I’ve noticed instances where dogs and kids seem more comfortable, more enthusiastic, and more indulged by grandparents than when they are with their parents. So at least you’re not alone in this situation.
That’s true! Thank you!
How interesting. I wonder what she would do if you slept on the couch in the room with her…
I’m afraid she’d never leave her bed all night. That happened one night when we left her leash on, to get her used to it, and she refused to move until the leash was removed in the morning.
Poor baby. She had it really hard before you got her. Just keep doing what you’re doing; with all that love, she’s bound to come around.
Thank you!
Dogs are such strange and wonderful creatures 🙂
Yes!
I bet she’s just getting up to check on when you’re coming back again! Because she considers you part of the pack.
Or she’s worried I’m going to come in and brush her teeth at any moment!
You can’t win ’em all! =D
Love this though you are obviously selling yourself short … kinda (with knowing wink and a nod). Orleans and “Love Takes Time” suddenly comes to mind. Cheers you three.
Thank you!
Çok tatlı.
Thank you!