Cassie is a sweetheart!!! I understand that head tilt, my dog does it too. They look so intent and that they are really listening to what you're saying. I too understand the mamas dog bit. My "boy" listens to me. I will put him up to asking his dad to take him out if Im too busy, then I tease the dad saying "your dog" especially when the dog does something "bad". Enjoy picking Cassie up while you can, she may never outgrow getting into your arms somehow weighing 70 lbs or more, but sometimes, thats not a bad thing either!!!