I was wondering, now we have three dogs at the moment, our reactive (especially on lead) older rescue Casper, our young chocolate and now D a beautiful black lab, 5 years old who we are fostering until he finds the right forever home. Well now the three of them have sorted out their differences, and D seems to be the most self assured, I guess now they are a small pack I think maybe the leader. He is amazingly calm and has an air of confidence. We have noticed that Casper seems a little calmer too, not so much horizon scanning, and less inclined to check out other dogs, now this may be due to our continued efforts around training, but I did wonder if having three familiar dogs may have something to do with it? The three of them, they jumped into the back of OH car waiting for their walk... D on the left, Benson in the middle and Casper on the right casper Benson and D by Kate Hart, on Flickr
I don't know the answer, although I could believe that it could be a safety in numbers thing What I really wanted to say is, what a handsome trio. And are you sure you're not D's forever home?
What a handsome trio - all very good looking! I'm sure there is a safety in numbers thing, and dogs in packs back each other up and feel more confident. Unfortunately, this isn't always positive when they meet lone strange dogs together, but that's probably the owners not being careful about how their dogs approach other dogs (I'm sure you are and are a million miles from, horrors, a Wimbledon dog walker with 6 or 8 in an off lead pack ) - I bet being in a pack is very positive for the dogs in it.
I can't believe dog walkers walk 6-8 dogs off lead together. Gives me the heebie jeebies. Anyway, my observation comes from group dog walking on lead, which Obi does at great expense 3 or so times a week. The walking groups are the same each week, so the dogs are all familiar. The dog walkers say that dogs that are normally very barky to other passing dogs when walked by their owners are quiet as mice in the group when strange dogs go past. Now who knows if that's due to the absence of the owner, the superior skills of the dog walker, the sense of security in the group or the lack of need to shout out to other dogs when you've already got friends...who knows. Anyway, something is different about it!
Yes I agree, not so much fun for a lone dog and dog owner. Our three can look quite intimidating which is why they are not allowed to meet other dogs off lead or even greet them on lead, unless I know the owner, or there is a very clear indication from the owner that it is OK, then they can mingle. Rachael...that is really interesting! My two until very recently were taken out with our dog walker three times a week, the same group and well matched. Rarely had any comments re: Casper barking, sometimes he would take himself off for a wander though!
Perhaps sorting out there differences was them finding their own pecking order? I bet there was a fascinating set of submissive and dominant behaviors going on there. Calm and confident are certainly two qualities of a pack leader. In addition, a pack leader achieves their position by being good at solving problems, and able to manage conflict and order without any blood being spilt. Mostly achieved through being outstanding at canine communication and the mastering of dominance gestures. (so say Roger Abrantes and Stanley Coren, their texts are on the reading list of any decent canine behaviorist) Do you see any other pack like behaviours in that group? One sign of authority from the leader, is that the subordinates do not block his path, they should always give way to him such as going through a tight doorway, and if they don't, they will be given a few reminders The order they jumped into the boot could be significant too. If they have established their rankings, it would make sense for a more reactive dog to be calmer in their company. It's the leaders job to decide what is cause for alarm, or of interest to investigate. So if the leader is "unstirred" by something, anything, it would follow that should rub-off on those following his lead. p.s. Beautiful set of dogs there
Don't have any wisdom to pass along as I have only ever had single dogs but just had to say the three of them look fabulous. D is a very handsome dog!
Wonderful photo. (And when you've completed your Lab collection it will be time to think about acquiring some spaniels...)
Those boys look gorgeous together, so relaxed. As to the behaviour I agree with JohnG, if D has taken the role of pack leader, there I less stress for the other dogs. The pack leader decides if there is any risk or threat - if he's happy they are happy. Of course the improvement with Caspar is also down to your consistent training. Think you're just going to have to keep D, you can't break up such a happy little pack
Oh wow,what a photo.D looks like a very smiley,relaxed dog.I'm so glad he has settled in Dexter still needs reactive management when we are walking with friends if we meet a dog that stares at him ...but that is a group of humans with a group of dogs ,not me walking alone with multiple dogs...x
Three lovely dogs, indeed! The larger the family, the more secure the members in it. And I prefer "family" to "pack" as there is so much nonsense talked about packs and their leaders. JulieT: is your Wimbledon dog walker a paid walker or just someone with a lot of dogs? Because I believe insurers will only cover dog walkers with up to five dogs. (Though I could be quite out of date on this.)
