Caution! Dogs coming through!

Caution! Dogs coming through!

#wednesdaywalk , you better don't cross the packs path! A train of happiness is rumbling through the woods!

I introduced a new dog to the group today and while we have spoken about the dog's nose a bit in my last post, it came to use today.

Sometimes it happens that a new dog joins in spontaneously and you can first introduce him at your point of walk.
The group is excited by that time, they have been chauffeured for a while. In that case I have to make sure to release all the dogs shortly after another. I may use treats and throw them like I feed pigeons. The already released dogs are distracted with searching for while. Dogs usually butt-sniff when getting to know each other but it can be that some use their eyes before the nose. That can trigger hunting behavior or even aggression.

The Rottweiler in the group started intimidating the new dog, so what I do as soon as all the dogs are released is:

Keep on going!

In case of possible aggression or mobbing it is best to keep on walking. Keep the group going. They have to concentrate on me first and have less time to think about whether the new dog sucks or not. Over time, something like a group feeling develops because everyone walks together. These are the moments when the Rottweiler starts to behave like a dog and sniffs the butt. Of course you have to keep an eye on the situation until you are sure the dogs formed a group and you know their triggers.

Today the group formed while walking cross fields up and down. They had a blast at the playground woods, exploring together, climbing and searching for hidden treats. The rocky formations were their highlight today. I think they were playing wolf lol.

In the end the new dog and the Rottweiler snout sniffed and got along quite well.

Pat on my back ;)