Low stress group outing with dogs?

[palo1]

So a group of friends are thinking of doing a low-stress outing with dogs; none of the dogs know each other but owners are decent (I think) folks!! There are 6 of us with 7 (or possibly 8) dogs implicated. Some of the dogs are happy running a la canicross, some are happy 'hackers' or whatever the canine equivalent is and a couple are high energy chase-a-ball-all-day types. The basic idea is to go for a structured walk/run thing but we sort of want or need a bit more of a plan. What sort of thing do groups of people with dogs do? Does anyone else do this kind of 'outing'? Should we split into smaller sub-groups according to dog's likes and or potentially troublesome interactions? I know this sort of thing can be fraught but we think it is worth a go. Really interested to hear ideas. Thanks!

 

[AmyMay]

I often bump in to people I know and their dogs on the beach. (Sometimes up to 8 dogs). We all spend a happy hour or so walking and chatting whilst the dogs enjoy each other’s company. Providing they’re all friendly, sociable and not aggressive don’t over think it would be my advice.

 

[palo1]

That sounds lovely - I do wish we were a bit nearer a nice beach!! I have been tasked to find a 'thing', a 'plan' that we can work to....Would a fun run/walk be suitable do you think? Or an organised ramble route?! ETA with a picnic at the end??!

 

[AmyMay]

A ramble route could work. But you need ‘space’. Nothing more intimidating than a large amount of dogs heading towards you.

The other thing to think about is a Doggy play field. Are there any near you?

 

[Clodagh]

I think a walk, there are less likely to be any confrontations if you are moving. No toys or balls, just meet up and walk. Don’t get all the dogs out and expect instant delight as they jump out of cars. Any growling/ dominance the instigator stays on a lead. You maybe have some forestry near you? Assuming any dogs with no recall will be on leads.
Im only used to groups of gun dogs who are used to other dogs and apart from the sex pest (there’s always one) they are focussed on work so tend to ignore each other.

 

[palo1]

All very good points! We do have forestry tracks and open hill available to us (and friends want to access that sort of thing). I think probably not over-thinking is a good plan or I will anticipate all sorts of problems and not want to do this. My terrier won't wander off but he will be on a lead as likely to want to leap about in other dogs faces for at least a while....A pack of gun dogs sounds much easier tbh lol.

 

[Lipglosspukka]

I would walk them all on lead for a while until they have all relaxed a bit and are used to being within each other's company.

Maybe walk to a nice lake or similar and let them off once you get there.

 

[palo1]

Thanks - I have a plan now; walk on lead through some forestry to get going then if everyone is being nice then a run round the common and pond (no stock atm!) We can park where there is a nice space to picnic with dogs in or out of vehicles depending.