Chapter 14 - Bruno Finally Stopped Sleeping Beside the Back Door
For months after the incident, Bruno changed.
At night he slept beside the sliding door facing the deck.
If a branch moved outside, his head came up.
If Ellie stepped into the backyard, he followed immediately.
At first I thought it was comforting.
Then our veterinarian and trainer pointed out something obvious.
“He’s staying on duty.”
Bruno had been frightened too.
Dogs can carry vigilance just like people.
So we changed the backyard gradually.
The open underside of the deck was enclosed with secure lattice and locked access panels.
Motion lights went in.
No more dark cavity where someone could hide.
Then we worked with Bruno.
Short calm backyard sessions.
Reward relaxed behavior.
Let him inspect.
Then let him rest.
One afternoon Ellie sat on the grass drawing with sidewalk chalk on a patio stone.
Bruno lay ten feet away.
Not on top of her.
Not guarding the deck.
Sleeping.
I stood inside watching through the glass.
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For the first time since that afternoon, the dog believed the yard was just a yard again.
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