The thing that makes her amazing is that everything you'd expect from a dog is there, but she has an underlying complexity that makes her almost human-like in her emotions, schemes, and behaviors.
After spending A LOT of time with her (I work from home). I've noticed this complexity and intelligence escalate the typical lessons learned from pets-- eat, sleep, have a short memory.
Here's Lulu's version:
Separate the person (dog) from the actions. Lulu was left on a balcony in Modesto in winter, when her previous owners foreclosed and moved out. You can tell in many ways that she remembers all this and certain behaviors are linked to us leaving, packing, or wearing shoes.
Her anxiety comes out in different forms-- occasionally its destructive, though most of the time she simply moves items around so that you know she's annoyed. When her feelings are manifested in destruction, its tough not to be mad, but you know it's not malicious and may not even be about you.
With those around you, these types of encounters could be coming from somewhere much deeper, much more complicated, that you may or may not understand. Being able to separate the person and their true feelings from something on the surface will help you read people a lot better. This could be true for any number of things, but will always have a place in relationships.
Play the long game. Lulu is remarkably intelligent and seems to understand cause and effect far beyond what I've seen in other dogs. As an accomplished con artist, she's able to string together action, reaction, getaway, and hideout with fantastic cunning.
A great example of this was when we were dog sitting for a friend. Lulu wanted the other dog's bone. She kept creeping closer to snatch it and we kept scolding her to play with her own toys. She wanted this bone though, and she wanted it bad. After three unsuccessful attempts to walk up and take the bone (remember, she's kind of a gangster), she started to work out a more complex plan. You could see the wheels turning.
Next thing you know, Lulu runs to the front door and starts barking maniacally. The other dog hurries over to provide backup, leaving the bone behind, which marks Lulu's opportunity to pounce. She runs for the bone, makes her getaway down the hall to the bedroom, and under the bed to the exact center, where we can't touch her-- her safe house.
We were thoroughly impressed.
Practice unconditional love. You see this one in all dogs. Coming home to them can be better than coming home to humans. Their excitement is unmatched and they make you feel like the most important person in the world. Lulu dances around the living room, grabs toys for you, and is also a cuddler, so even if she's mad at you for leaving or giving her a bath, she simply wants to be close to you. Every day she shows me the affect that affection can have on others, so I try to make sure that those who are important to me know it.
