The Reluctant Dog

Willow has lived years thinking she is just another human.  One of us, except she couldn't drive and she could sleep all day;  scratch herself with her back legs; and lick her crotch   When she got around other dogs she has been awkward and timid.  We decided she needed some dog time.  A chance to run with the pack so to speak. 

Lately, in the past few weeks, whenever I can,  in the afternoon I will take her to the dog park so she can interact and learn how to communicate with other dogs. 

At first she was shy, snapped at other dogs that smelled into her "personal" business but saw nothing wrong of checking them out the same way.  Each day she gets a little more bolder and now she is even  playing a little chase with other dogs.

Which brings up this:  I notice each time the dog park gate opens and a dog steps in a lot of the dogs would rush up and check out the newcomer.  Or, if it was prison they would hollow (or bark), "Fresh Fish!"

The other day a man and woman brought their female dog in, i know it is a female because of her pink finery she wore.  As the gate opened the dogs ran up to meet the newcomer.  She knew exactly what to do.  She took off running as fast as she could.  All the other dogs quickly chased her.  She started off heading the whole pack.  Finally they corned her and she laid down, belly up, as to wallow, and let all the dogs jump on her, smell her, lick her, or slobber on her and she was enjoying every minute of it. 

Then I realized dog struggle for attention among their own kind just like humans.