One important tip that Katie (our dog trainer) gave me was to let the bond between Brandon and Indie develop on their own terms. I wish I could track their relationship through photos and filming however the special incidents between them are usually intense but very short lived. I will elaborate on the last occasion. Brandon was self stimming on the couch when Indie jumped up on top of Brandon. She wanted to play with Brandon and get him out of his self absorbed mentality which did work. We have to remind Indie to lick rather than play bite which she does. Anyway, here you have Brandon sitting up beside Indie who is licking his hand and feet. When Indie stopped, Brandon gently put out his hand for Indie to continue. Now, you may think 'Big deal- so what' but this is from a boy who rarely interacts with other people or animals, so even a small appropriate physical encounter like this one, is indeed huge.
Last night when Brandon arrived home on the bus. Well, Indie is always the first to know when the bus has arrived and you should see her fly to the gate, so eager to see her Brandon. And last night, I had Indie on a lead about to take her for a walk when Brandon arrived home on the bus. You should have seen Brandon smiling at the sight of Indie and Indie preferred to follow Brandon than continue on her walk. They happily walked together for the rest of the evening culminating in Indie lying with her head over Brandon in his bed.
It's amazing - often Indie knows when she can approach Brandon or when it is in her best interest to leave him alone. Who would have thought I needed to follow a dog's cue when dealing with my son?
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