Leader of the Pack

Adventure Pack

We encountered a couple rangers on the trail today who were stopped with a couple other hikers and their two dogs.  The other dogs growled and pulled at the pack and everyone did a great job of walking by without reacting.  One of the rangers then stopped us to check on my commercial permit and after sitting there a little while, another dog passed by and then Oliver and Sputnik, apparently restless, barked and growled at the passing dog.  The rangers eventually let us on our way and everyone stayed on leash for the rest of the hike since they had gotten worked up before.  Shortly thereafter, a few kids asked to say hello and they gave pets to everyone.  One boy said Benny was his favorite while he was petting him, because of the cool ridge on his back, and then Roger Roger nosed his way in between them to get pet himself.  We passed several other dogs during the rest of the hike and the pack stayed calm through all of the greetings, even when two dogs ran up to us and one was barking.  Rucksack and Roger Roger stuck their noses out eagerly to say hello while the rest of the pack stayed right by me.  It was a great display of calmness and self control.

Play Pack

Ruffers immediately found a playmate in a Rottweiler when we arrived at the park.  She hopped all around him in play-bows and they danced and chased for a bit before the Rottweiler left and she rejoined the pack as we walked around the perimeter of the park.  Sadie was a bit noisy at first but then she settled down and she and Ruffers both ran playfully with another dog.  Benny caught the attention of a towering Great Dane who sniffed at him and barked for attention.  I was surprised at how Benny held his ground despite feeling intimidated by the big, excited dog.  He didn't run to me or yelp for help, but it was obvious from his posture that he was thinking about it.  But the Great Dane's attention soon turned away and then Benny trotted over to me, triumphant over his insecurity.  Thompson seemed to like the company of the Great Dane and milled around the center of the park next to him for a while before joining the rest of us at the south end of the park.