We who exercise
a pack of dogs need to be on our toes with watching how the dogs interact
with each other and with other dogs. When we approach a single dog being
walked, it is good manners to call our mob in to heel so that the other dog
does not feel threatened. In primitive terms, a solitary dog meeting
a group is automatically disadvantaged and may become more reactive as a result.
Some dogs may flee, in which case we need to ensure ours are steady
and do not pursue or else we might encounter an arrogant beast which tries
to take on the pack senior, harass a bitch or intimidate a weaker animal.
Any of these actions can touch-off a scrap and should therefore be anticipated
and avoided. If an approaching dog shows it has no manners and the
owner is blissfully unaware of a type and amount of body language going on,
we have to take positive charge of the group by blocking the offending animal
away from ours. If you have a top dog that can be trusted, you can
send that ahead to do the negotiations while you spirit the rest of the pack
out of the risk zone. There may well be human interchange as well, which
is best kept lighthearted and friendly no matter how annoying the actual situation
or how much you are assured that theoverbearing lout of a dog "only wants
to play".
Nowadays one often meets professional dog walkers escorting packs of dogs
that are not always out together and therefore have a more fluid heirarchy.
These can therefore be very sparky groups, and some professionals are
much more in charge of the situation than others. If you cannot take
avoiding action, walk briskly past with your dogs close, rather than letting
them mingle.
reprinted with kind permission from Alastair Balmain
Deputy Editor:
Shooting Times &
Country Magazine
Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street SE1 0SU
Tel: 020 3148 4750
The above information is simply informational.
It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you
in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian
for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.
