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.
