to let Tommy out into the outer enclosure, to join Junior and Ginne and the rest who have sort out their territory around the pool area.
Main reason being Tommy had been the unfortunate pick for big bully Tiger. A scuffle too many from burly Tiger has caused Tommy to walk away bleeding slightly from bite wounds on his legs and ears. And his demeanor was noticeably quite dejected, always separated from the other 4, on his own in the one shelter while the rest hang out in the other.
On his own, Tiger is a most affectionate boy. But in their own canine culture, he and Tommy just don't get along.
Seeing Tommy being pinned down by Tiger again on Sunday, I didn't think we should wait any longer. It is kinder to Tommy to move him away from Tiger. And we sorta know intuitively that Tommy would do fine with the outer pack as he doesn't have a pushy character about him.
So yesterday noon, we opened the gate to his enclosure and walked him out. Keeping a close eye on him and all the curious dogs sniffing him out.
Main reason being Tommy had been the unfortunate pick for big bully Tiger. A scuffle too many from burly Tiger has caused Tommy to walk away bleeding slightly from bite wounds on his legs and ears. And his demeanor was noticeably quite dejected, always separated from the other 4, on his own in the one shelter while the rest hang out in the other.
On his own, Tiger is a most affectionate boy. But in their own canine culture, he and Tommy just don't get along.
Seeing Tommy being pinned down by Tiger again on Sunday, I didn't think we should wait any longer. It is kinder to Tommy to move him away from Tiger. And we sorta know intuitively that Tommy would do fine with the outer pack as he doesn't have a pushy character about him.
So yesterday noon, we opened the gate to his enclosure and walked him out. Keeping a close eye on him and all the curious dogs sniffing him out.
Growls surfaced as he ventured bit too near some marked territories, particularly shelters that have been staked upon. Together with the caregiver, we walked him all the way out to the front area where another pack stays and more barks, sniffs, growls surfaced. But nothing serious. Tommy took everything well. Walking on with a stoic face. Occasionally turning back with a warningwhen someone came too close or sniffed too long.
One round we made and returned to the pool area where I let him off leash after a while more of wait and see. A few tries at scuffles particularly at other males, a little chase here and there, and under the shelter - and then all settled into quietness as everyone returned to their late afternoon snooze.
Junior (left) watching Tommy as he checked out the pool
Junior and Ginne was following me all around, so Tommy sorta ended up hanging around them too. I guess there is too much male energy in our pack of 5 boys. Some girly attention for Tommy should do him good!
Ginne and another girl have staked out the first hut with a homely mattress
Tommy picked the 2nd hut as his resting place
All is well for today too. No commotion, as C said. There is just so much we can have in our control anyway. There will come a point where you just have to let go, and let them sort things out among themselves.
Without our interference. In their very own canine language.
1 comment:
thank God, I'm so relieved to read this for tommy. Tks J for the effort :)
JT
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