Making friends with the pack: OutHounds adventure hike

Feb 6, 2023

Mattapoisett— Essie the German Shepherd could not decide whether she wanted to lead the pack or stay behind to take a headcount during the OutHounds Adventure and Buzzards Bay Coalition training hike on Sunday, Feb.5. 

Carol Lawton, Essie’s owner,  explained that her dog was acting on her natural instinct to herd, a trait common with her breed. 

“She loses her brain once in a while,” said Lawton. “One of my biggest concerns was making sure that she was socialized well.”

Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds and even a Bernedoodle puppy embarked on a hike through The Bogs off  Acushnet Road in Mattapoisett to make furry friends and release energy.

According to OutHounds co-founder Eric Harne, socialization is essential for dog training.

 “When they are socialized properly it can take a dog that’s a 10 on the aggressive scale down substantially,” said Harne.

Harne’s Bull Mastiff, Charlie, couldn’t contain his excitement when he saw his walking buddy Ryker the Australian Shepherd.

“He’s very gung-ho, it’s like having two dogs,” said Ryker’s owner Will Smith as the dog eagerly pulled on the leash to catch up with Charlie. “So this [exercise] is really good for him,” he said.

Harne explained that the dogs usually stay focused after they all greet each other. 

“Some of these high energy dogs need a job, they need something to do,” he said. “Once they are out doing a job they will follow in line and play with each other without being so reactive.”

The pack took their job seriously as they led their owners through wooded paths, and navigated icy streams and narrow bridges. The group completed the hike down New Boston Trail, but not without a headcount from Essie.

“She’s making sure we all made it,” said Lawton with a laugh.