Duke Learns to Live with Max

A Dog's Journey

Max’s wary relationship with Duke shifts from rivalry and protection to companionship, teaching Max to adapt his leadership to another dog’s needs.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

First Encounter First Encounter from "A Dog's Journey". Two Unequal Dogs Suspicion Max meets Duke, a dog many times his size, and immediately tries to establish himself as CJ’s protector.

First Encounter from "A Dog's Journey". Two Unequal Dogs Suspicion Max meets Duke, a dog many times his size, and immediately tries to establish himself as CJ’s protector.

Two Unequal Dogs Suspicion Max meets Duke, a dog many times his size, and immediately tries to establish himself as CJ’s protector. Duke’s friendliness does not overcome Max’s caution. A Shared Home CJ introduces Max to Duke and Sneakers. Their first interactions reveal that Max will have to negotiate the household rather than control it.

Play and Friction Play and Friction from "A Dog's Journey". Learning Each Other Different Styles Duke is large and excitable, while Max is small, alert, and convinced he is in charge.

Play and Friction from "A Dog's Journey". Learning Each Other Different Styles Duke is large and excitable, while Max is small, alert, and convinced he is in charge.

Learning Each Other Different Styles Duke is large and excitable, while Max is small, alert, and convinced he is in charge. They wrestle, but Duke’s size can knock Max over. Domestic Rules Max guards his food and corrects Duke’s rough behavior. The pair gradually learn the limits of play and the importance of space.

Protecting Sneakers Protecting Sneakers from "A Dog's Journey". A Shared Responsibility A Cat in Trouble Duke repeatedly chases Sneakers under the bed while CJ is away.

Protecting Sneakers from "A Dog's Journey". A Shared Responsibility A Cat in Trouble Duke repeatedly chases Sneakers under the bed while CJ is away.

A Shared Responsibility A Cat in Trouble Duke repeatedly chases Sneakers under the bed while CJ is away. Max barks and snaps at Duke until he retreats, protecting the smaller animal. A Changed Routine CJ eventually arranges for Sneakers to stay with Mrs. Minnick. The decision reduces conflict but separates the animals for a time.

A Difficult Goodbye A Difficult Goodbye from "A Dog's Journey". Losing a Housemate The Owner Returns Barry comes back and disapproves of Duke’s play with Max.

A Difficult Goodbye from "A Dog's Journey". Losing a Housemate The Owner Returns Barry comes back and disapproves of Duke’s play with Max.

Losing a Housemate The Owner Returns Barry comes back and disapproves of Duke’s play with Max. CJ is dismissed from her role caring for Duke and must leave the apartment. Separation Duke mourns when CJ and Max go. Max misses the large, goofy dog, despite having often corrected him.

Duke Returns to Visit Duke Returns to Visit from "A Dog's Journey". Reunion with Limits Joy and Disruption Trent arranges a visit from Duke. The dogs rejoice, but Duke’s exuberance hurts CJ and knocks over a lamp.

Duke Returns to Visit from "A Dog's Journey". Reunion with Limits Joy and Disruption Trent arranges a visit from Duke. The dogs rejoice, but Duke’s exuberance hurts CJ and knocks over a lamp.

Reunion with Limits Joy and Disruption Trent arranges a visit from Duke. The dogs rejoice, but Duke’s exuberance hurts CJ and knocks over a lamp. A New Understanding Max sees that caring for CJ now means keeping the household calm. Their companionship continues, but protection requires restraint as well as defense.

Max’s first day in CJ’s apartment

The first weeks after Max’s adoption

After CJ begins walking the neighborhood dogs

After Barry returns to New York

During CJ’s recovery after marriage