One of the reasons for the different breeds in my house is I love the personalities. The way you describe your first Berner, Jenn, reminds me of my Leo, Cowboy. Cowboy is a "thinker", a very smart boy, CGC in nothing flat, clicker trained easily. Bored easily. He loves people, but when first approached, with tail wagging, he ducks when a stranger reaches out to pat his head. Doesn't move his feet, doesn't stop wagging his tail, but like your pup he's almost saying-geez, wait a minute, I don't even know you. This is one of the few times he doesn't bark or talk in any way. He seems to want a chance to sniff first. Now, once he knows you, don't you even think of ignoring him or he will grumble, woo hoo, bark, whatever it takes. He's a hoot!
I will never forget being out on the back porch one morning early drinking my coffee when I hear a faint cry of my visiting sister for "Help!" coming from the house. I walk in to see my sister on the stair landing, and 5 big, grinning ear to ear dogs waiting for her to come down the rest of the way! Cowboy in particular vocalizing his delight to my sister's horror. No way was she coming down stairs without me there. We laughed and laughed and I forever tease her about my big, bad dogs trapping her. Right now I am totally in love with my Pyr, Bean. He is my oldest and for some reason is getting a little more demonstrative and playful. He'll come up and touch me with his nose, just a little shove. He has a look in his eyes and a grin, wanting me to get up and "chase". This means chase about 6 feet at the most before I grab him in a bear hug, tell him how much I love him, and give him a great back, butt scratching. Ahhhhh, it's heaven to this guy. Now while all this is going on we are surrounded by the black boys (the Berners-we are racially blended, obviously!), bouncing, bouncing , bouncing "me, me, me next" attitude! Freckles is generally barking non stop while we all ignore him (Damn it you guys, I am small but have a mighty bark! Pay Attention!!!!) Zeke will most likely jump on the couch and flop back wards with big, looking like beer belly, pointing to the ceiling. One of these days I expect him to reach down and scratch his privates and belch! Weaver will be looking soft, reaching out with one paw quietly, asking " Can I have just a little? I don't like all this noise but I do love you and would like a cuddle." okay, it's a zoo, but I love it! jane heggen & the boys of iowa (who are all very different with one mom)
