I guess I need to walk the dogs separately.

As long as I've had multiple dogs, I've taken them for their morning walk together.  This saves me time on work mornings and the dogs don't generally like being separated. 

However, it appears that practice is going to have to stop. 

This morning, I was getting really angry with Angel for lagging behind.  I don’t get it.  She used to be the lead and Peanut used to lag behind.  Now Angel walks slowly behind me with her head down, while Bogie and I try to maintain a reasonable pace.  I end up feeling like I’m dragging her to the vet. 

 As a former leader, does Angel resent being displaced by Bogie? Except she won't take the lead even when the opportunity presents itself.  

Frustrated, I took Angel home and dropped her off.  Then Bogie and I went for a faster, longer walk.  At first, he seemed confused by Angel's absence, but adjusted quickly.  We were both a little winded when we returned to the house. 

I dropped Bogie off and I took Angel again, alone.  This was for three reasons.  I felt guilty for scolding her. I wanted to see how Bogie would behave in the house alone for a few minutes.  And I wanted to see if Angel would behave differently by herself.  

She did. I don’t know if it was my attitude or hers, but we had a pleasant walk around the block.  

I think that the two dogs are not compatible walkers. Angel is a scent hound and likes to linger over interesting scents.  This is, by its nature, a slow meander.  Bogie is a sight hound and likes to hurry to see new sights.  So his is a faster pace. 

I guess from now on I will have to take them separately.  Bogie and I will benefit from the faster pace.  Angel will get her meandering time. 

And I will have to get up earlier in the morning to keep on schedule.  

Sigh.