Leader of the Pack

Adventure Pack

We had a similar experience today as yesterday, in that the first dog we encountered on the trails dropped into a stalking posture and walked straight at the pack, causing some of the pack members to become wary and growly; and then a short while later we passed another dog who was much more relaxed, to whom the pack gave a passing, friendly nod.  Along the way, I saw Rucksack eyeing a stick as we approached it but after a quick sniff he decided to leave it be...

Adventure Pack

The first dog we came across on the trails today was a Golden Retriever who approached us with a stalking posture and put the pack on edge, then snapped at us when he got near.  Roger Roger and Sputnik responded with growls back at him, while Oliver barked from behind me and Benny and Rucksack just ignored him.  A short while later, we came across a black Lab who was much less intense and bobbed by the pack happily, leaning his head to the side to get a s...

Adventure Pack

We struck out for the Mesa trail today.  There was still a thin layer of ice along one incline, but mostly the trail was just covered in a layer of slush.  Coco, Milo, Benny, Rucksack, and Roger Roger all stayed on leash for our first outing on the new trail of the month, and everyone did a very nice job of walking together.

Play Pack

Stella enjoyed wiggling around on her back at the park again.  She also met some human...

Adventure Pack

Nobody carried any sticks today.  The trails weren't quite as muddy as yesterday, which made cleaning the pack up afterwards much easier - especially Rucksack and Roger Roger, whose long, curly coats are really great at collecting mud, snow, twigs, burrs, and just about anything else.  Milo, Coco, and Benny didn't even require a towel to clean up their paws.

Play Pack

Stella wiggled around on the ground and woofed at a ...

Adventure Pack

Sputnik and Benny both enjoyed chomping on snow today.  Rucksack carried a small twig only for the first part of our hike before losing interest.  I had Oliver walk at the head of the pack, though he usually brings up the rear.  He was hesitant at first and kept stopping and looking over his shoulder to make sure he wasn't about to be run over, but he settled in after a bit as I made sure Rucksack, who was walking behind him, took notice of his littl...

Adventure Pack

The pack was eager to get out on the trails in the freshly fallen snow today.  As eager as they all were to get out, Osito, Coco, Rucksack, Milo, and Roger Roger were pretty calm once we were on the trails.  Everyone stuck together pretty well.  Osito walked at the front of the pack with me while the others walked behind us.  We passed a Chihuahua who growled at us and the pack ignored him and trotted along with me nicely.

Adventure Pack

Benny and Rucksack enjoyed chomping on snow whenever we passed by remaining patches alongside the trail.  Sputnik and Roger Roger were more interested in playfully harassing one another by gnawing on legs and jumping on each other.  Oliver avoided their scuffling and trotted behind me.

Play Pack

Isaac and Coco both had fun playing fetch, as usual.  Sadie and Benny played keep-away from one another with some chunks of ic...

Adventure Pack

Rucksack has gotten back into the habit of hauling sticks on our outings, as he was at it again today.  Meanwhile, Roger Roger was walking alongside Benny and occasionally nibbling his ears.  Coco seemed to especially enjoy jumping over a deep stream we crossed while her packmates hopped over it dutifully.  Milo followed along right behind me for the whole hike.

Play Pack

Milo and Stella both had fun rolling around in d...

Adventure Pack

Rucksack brought a reasonably-sized stick along for the hike today.  Milo borrowed it for a short while but then Rucksack got it back when Milo was going to leave it behind.  Roger Roger gnawed on it a few times while his big brother was carrying it, but he didn't make any serious attempt to steal it.  Benny was hanging back a lot today and took some urging to keep up with the pack.

Play Pack

Coco joined Charlie in play...

Adventure Pack

Roger Roger couldn't help but nibble on Benny's ears as we hiked today.  Rucksack found a small chunk of wood to carry for about half the hike.  When he dropped it, Sputnik was quick to grab it up and carry it for a short while.  Oliver joined his packmates in sniffing out some interesting spots, but mostly kept to himself and trotted along behind me.

Play Pack

Mama wandered off to the far end of the park and when I cal...