We have 14 dogs living here together and they all get along great. They are quite well balanced and happy, despite the fact that some of them have come from very unsettled pasts. We trust them implicitly to be kind to one another and to welcome others into their group. Why?
We attribute this to two reasons, first, they are a relatively old group, their average age is around 11 years old. Old dogs are more settled than younger ones. The hormones aren't racing and they have calmed down.
The other reason that our dogs have settled in so well is that they are part of a pack, a dog family. When they come, they are welcomed by the others who can show them, by example and in their own language, that they are coming to a safe, comfortable environment. Our youngsters, Ginger and Gracie are particularly sensitive to the limitations of the older dogs and play at a softer, gentler level to adapt to the abilities of the seniors. Watching the differences between how they play with each other, with the active seniors (Layla and Toby), the softer seniors (Lucy and Leo) and the smaller dogs (Asteroid and Belly) is fascinating.
Ginger has taken the role of protector of the group. The Great Pyrenees in her makes her well suited for this role. She keeps a vigilant watch over the yard, warning away dangerous squirrels, raccoons and neighborhood chihuahuas who may wander near. I have seen her frantically bark everyone back toward the house when she sees something that she perceives to be dangerous.
Gracie is the self appointed welcoming committee. Boisterous by nature, she is the first to meet and greet the newcomers. Her happy, goofy personality makes any newcomer instantly feel safe and comfortable.
Things aren't always perfect, but they always seem to work things out short of any real confrontation. We are proud of our pack!
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| treat time |
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| napping together |
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