Ok, I have noticed a few new behaviors in Ollie that last two weeks and I wanted to share and see what you guys think.

FIrst, while walking Ollie with my 15 tear old daughter, She got a bit far behind us, as she is a flower picking daydreamer that is always slow to keep up. Ollie planted himself, would walk no further unless dragged and watched her until she caught up, then began walking again just fine. THis has happened twice. This annoys me because he ignores my command to stay by me and walk, but I wonder if this is protection or something. (probably not, but I'm interested in what you think.)

Also, I am divorced and my kids are gone a lot on weekends. When we get up in the morning and they are not there, Ollie goes to their respective bedroom doors and sniffs, seems to be less active, and runs to the door when anyone shows up.

I've been objective about these things and am not trying to put human emotions on him, but he genuinly seems to watch over and miss them. They don't even have much to do with him...except the 11 year old. He walks him occasionally and likes to work on commands. But my 7 year old pretty much ignores him...mostly because I encouraged him to in the beginning, not knowing if he was tolerant of kids.

A typical evening, after all the homework/housework is done and we're all just chillin out...the boys will be playing video games, and Ollie lays behind their backs in the floor while they do. He DOES NOT like anyone rough housing with Sam, (the seven year old), and stays kind of...close to him but does not interact at all.

Now obviously I'm pleased that he has turned out to be such a great family dog, but what is the drive behind this? Does he love them and miss them when they are gone? Does he feel responsible for them? I had a collie when I was a kid that behaved this way, but a boxer mix?

I have to add my usual "I'm new to this stuff" disclaimer, in case my questions/statements seem silly.

It kind of sounds as if he considers everyone including the kids as part of his pack. And, when some members of the pack are not there (or lag behind) it makes him anxious. And, when they return, he greets them as returning pack members.

It also appears that he's in a sense "looking out for" the younger pack members especially the, in his eyes,youngest "puppy." As long as he's just staying close, not interacting or displaying aggressive behavior towards the others (i.e. growling at another child approaching your 7 year old) I wouldn't worry about it at all. But I would have your 7 year old assist in training the dog. You want to make sure all human pack members are above the dog in the pecking order.

I'm sure some of our experts will give you a better and more thorough interpretation.

You're right. I do need to get Sam more involved. When I adopted Ollie, I had no history, so I had a long and serious talk with the kids about letting him settle and (especially with the 7 yr. old), don't get in his face ect... I discourage the "EEEWWWW PUPPY" reaction most kids have to dogs. But, that's less of a concern now that I know him better. Any suggestions on how to include him at this age? He isn't...er...um...the most focused child. hehe.

And, no, he doesn't bark or growl at anyone for approaching the kids. Closest to that was a young man at a cook out that Ollie didn't know wrestling with Sam. He didn't bark but he got so anxious and was watching so closely...enough change in his body language that I made them quit.

Nico, my oldest has a similar relationship to my son. She was so upset when he was born that I probably over hovered and did not let her interact with him at all. Despite this she would choose to sleep right outside his door and always kept a watchful eye on him, alerting me when he cried (as if I didn't know LOL)

Now she keeps an eye on him, often sleeps in his room or near him if he is playing but never really solicites any affection or play from him.

Both dogs get a little bit anxious when my husband and Tyler wrestle or play rough, but they don't try to get involved, but I think if it was someone they didn't know and trust they would probably get more upset over it.

I try to have Tyler set their food down for them, have them sit for treats, and with Loki he sometimes holds the leash while we are out on walks.

Loki adores him and they spend a lot of time cuddling. He is also a good listener so I often hear my son telling him about his day, or his troubles..which I think is a wonderful thing for a kid to have!!