SOLO TIME WITH YOUR DOG
We did more solo dog work today at Lora's Luck, this time with Lora and Betty (was Bursuca), our two older dogs at the rescue. When you have more than one dog, solo lead and walk work as well as group walks is vital to>have a well balanced dog>give them a chance to develop their own walk routines, get used to other dogs and humans they encounter on the walk and reduce 'defensive' behaviours that might arise from them protecting their 'pack'>observe behaviours better and should your dog exhibit any sensitivity to their environment, be able to nip them in the bud at the start before they become a major problem>get them used to being alone, or with less dogs, and/or without you, useful when you need to take just one to the vet, or go shopping and other things us humans have to do where dogs aren't always welcome>when that sad time comes and one of their 'pack' passes away they will pine much less- at this time maintaining the routine is vital to your dog's -and dogs'!- mental health, so varying that too much can cause stress behavioural problems>and to give them some 1-2-1 time with you, a chance to bond as themselves and not in a group of others all wanting your attention.
Our girls are all so different on walks- together and solo. Rowan is perfect off lead, and I'll be doing more work with Tiru (was Heidi), our puppy, so she too can go off lead, she's almost there as her recall is great. Betty may yet get off lead, but Lora is an ex street dog and 10 now, it's unlikely she'll ever go off lead apart from in totally enclosed areas. As you can see in her video she hardly limps at all; she arrived with only three working legs almost a year ago now. Both Bet and Lora have some other dog sensitivity so a firm, consistent and gentle hand is essential.
Dogs do not all always take naturally to walks especially if you have to walk on public pavements to the park, or live in a built up area. Cars can be scary, and people on bikes or scooters. Crossing at a pedestrian crossing with a overstimulated dog can be an issue too without regular exposure to daily life outside your home. Exposure to your car if you have one is good too of course, but pavement and road work also helps to wear down claws and socialise your dog.
So when we foster a dog, we always solo walk them first, to desensitise them, then go out in groups of our dogs, those who already have top recall and walking skills, to maintain and improve their reaction to lots of exciting smells, times and distractions.
