Fitting in

A couple weeks ago we went for a family hike with Ariella and all the house dogs. It has been a challenge to get them all used to each other. The house dogs, two Golden Retrievers and a Canaan Dog, haven't liked Arie very well. They want nothing to do with the lively youngster and when she gets too close they curl a lip or snarl and snap at her. And on the other hand when ever they would come close to Arie while she is out with the animals or tied out on a line she will bark and growl at them ferociously, that is, until the day we all went out for the hike.

Previous to this day I would take just Arie and one of the other dogs out for walks and it was always awkward with her wanting to invade their space and them trying to avoid her. But, after this family walk with all the dogs together it changed the whole dynamics of their relationships. It seems like Arie has become at least a little bit a part of the pack. Now when the house dogs go near Arie and the livestock she no longer barks or growls at them. And they seem a little more excepting of her overtures.



Arie was the most comfortable out front which indicates to me that she will be an "alpha" dog when she grows up.

When ever Arie was behind she would strain hard at her leash.

A number of years ago when my Siberian Husky was young I used to put a harness on him and have him pull me on ski's. I'm thinking I'll have another willing puller here in this pup after she gets matured. Something I hadn't considered until I saw how hard she can pull.

Our Canaan Dog Sidon. She is 13 years old.

Ben and Tucker the Golden Retrievers. They are 8 years old. They're brothers.

With all these older dogs Arie really doesn't have any pals to play with. They grew out of their puppy playfulness years ago. Although the Retrievers tussle with each other from time to time, a lively puppy they have zero tolerance for. I'm hoping in time as Arie settles down some that they will eventually become friendly with her.