New Dogs on the Block!

Tue 19 May 2009 by Sue McCabe

New Dogs on the Block!

My daily dog walk comprises up to 6 dogs, all of different shapes, sizes, ages and temperaments walking both on and off leash together. It’s wonderful to watch the pack dynamic and how they all communicate with each other. However, people may not realise how long it takes for the pack to settle when a new dog comes along and joins the gang. A new dog can mean the existing dogs are challenged or stressed (both overtly and more subtly) depending on the temperament of the newbie.

I made the decision some time ago at Muttamorphosis, to encourage a less stressful environment for all, not to offer holiday cover to people and their dogs. For the sake of two weeks, or sometimes less, a new dog has very little chance to settle in, to assert himself and become a happy member of the existing pack.

However, as with most things in life, things change and occasionally an existing client retires, or worse, an old dog dies and there is space in my walking pack to allow for the introduction of a new client’s dog. This happened recently, with not one but two dogs joining the pack , at the same time. I worried in advance about this-because I care that the existing dogs have fun and let loose on their walks without feeling stress-but also because new dogs often feel stress themselves to start with and it can take time to settle in and realise their position in the pack.

The two new dogs were from the same household. Not expecting any major problem, but always anticipating a little tension, I collected the two new kids for their first day. I was surprised. These two little guys are obviously so well graced in canine social etiquette that they slotted in like they had been part of my pack for years. None of the existing dogs paid any attention to them whatsoever, not even a sniff to say ‘hi’. The new dogs didn’t force their doggie ‘hello’s’ and the current pack accepted them incredibly well.

Sometimes, without our efforts and interference, our dogs learn how to be dogs, how to simply co-exist without conflict, without excessive dominance or submission. Indeed, in the past week or so, I notice one of the newbies is more than capable of giving a grumble if one of the younger, less mannerly dogs get in his face. But both new kids have a lot to teach. Their communication skills with other dogs are wonderful and I hope they will remain valued members of our little canine pack for some time to come.

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