Molly always has been very boisterous, probably always will be, it is the nature of the beast. She loves my Grandchildren. Over loves as it is. Excitable hollering kids and excitable bouncy Labrador can be a recipe for disaster. Consequently Molly usually goes to bed in my study for the duration of their visits only coming out for some carefully regulated play. The kids do love her though. Especially my 8 year old Grandson, who is having a hard time at home and school, and for whom Molly's unquestioning devotion is a balm. They like visiting her in my study. Yesterday I walked in to find the 8 year old and the 4 year old knelt by Molly each holding and stroking a paw (which she loves). She laid in her bed with her legs wider splayed than is normal, wagging her tail. Then the 16 month old, who is nervous of dogs lurched in, toddled up to her and stuck out a little hand which she gently sniffed then licked, much to his giggling pleasure (i think it was the tickley whiskers that did it) OK. Not earth shattering. But for us a great step forward and I hope it gives hope to those who do have a very boisterous dog hope. Was it a success for training? I kept insisting on short bursts of contact, saying "if we don't give her the chance, how can she learn to behave". Or did she simply mature at the grand old age of two.
