"pack splitting" anxiety

[monopodia]

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This is not a major problem, more a question re canine instinctive behaviour.

We have a 4 year old Canaan bitch, who is very content to leave home for a walk with either me, my wife or our adult children, leaving other members at home. But, if we leave as a group of more than 1, and somebody leaves the group while on the walk (e.g. to get a haircut/go shopping whatever) she kicks up, cries, tries to drag the leash-holder to follow the departing member, howls, moos etc. (until , eventually she understands its a fait accompli). Canaans are only very recently domesticated from the feral wild dog.

I have a theory that there is some instinctive behaviour for wolves and other canines to ensure integrity and cohesion of the pack that might explain this pronounced behaviour - any comments/suggestions?

 

[JoanneF]

We have similar (although less intense) reactions from our dog. I will be interested to hear what people say.

 

[dogmatize]

Many years ago as a family group we had to hike up a hillside to get to a rented cottage because the land rover we were to travel in had broken down. There were 9 of us: 4 adults and 5 children all under 10.

My aunt had an Irish wolfhound at the time who came with us. As we hiked up the hill we split into 2 parties, with the slower kids at the back. The wolfhound spent the whole time running back and forward between the two groups seemingly checking to see if each group of people were okay. It always stuck in my mind as an example of the faithfulness of hounds.

 

[Biker John]

My Whippet, when I go out with my friend she is happy but if we separate she looks worried and if she is off lead keeps running between us. Fortunately she isn't noisy about it.

 

[gypsysmum2]

I agree with above. Have had lots of my dogs behave like this. Only have the one dog now and he is a very independent fellow. On a group walk yesterday, my husband and I became separated and he pulled to get to me if I was in front of the group or hung back if had him to keep an eye on my husband. Safety in numbers perhaps?