My older Husky is about 4 1/2, and was the Alpha female out of her litter. I kept the Alpha female out of my dogs litter and she has really over-dominated her mother. My dog can't even hardly eat her food, without her daughter growling at her and pushing her out of the way. In the beginning my dog wouldn't cower down to her, but after awhile she just kinda acted like she was tired of fighting back and just gives her daughter free reign of their yard. My husband told me the same thing happens in a pack of wolves: that even if a dog is the alpha of the group, if another alpha comes into the pack (even if it is the dogs offspring), then the new alpha will just take over and the old alpha will submit to the new one. Is this true? Should I just let the 2 of them settle their own dominance issues?
2007-03-13 07:09:00 · 6 answers · asked by LittleMermaid 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I think you should let them settle their own social hierarchy issues.. to a certain extent. The dogs also need to know that whatever they do dominance wise you are the ultimate leader and you are the alpha over both of them. With the food thing you need to regulate that... when they are eating stand between them and do not let one dog take the others food, make it clear that it is your perogative to control who gets the food, when, where and how much. In all other areas like toys, sleeping places, etc let the 2 dogs work it out on their own... let them establish whos boss amongst themselves otherwise you may create more problems by interfering and not allowing them to establish their social status. Let them work it out but let them know that you are always there and that you are always boss over both of them no matter what rank they hold amongst themselves.
2007-03-13 07:43:09 · answer #1 · answered by Kelly + Eternal Universal Energy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you should let them sort it themselves. If you try and interfere, you could make things worse for the submissive dog. Having two females together, the best you can hope for, is no contest from the older dog, to keep things peaceful. Most times, it's recommended to pair dogs of opposite sex for this reason. That's not to say its not a workable situation, but it may be more challenging then if you had a male and a female.
Be sure and spend lots of time with the older female one on one. When in the presence of both dogs, always acknowledge the dominant dog first and give that dog preference. I know, it sounds unfair, but believe me, you'll be doing the older dog a favour. When you give attention to the submissive dog first, or you punish the dominant dog infront of the submissive, the alpha will feel it is necessary to PROOVE to everyone they are the alpha, that's when fights break out.
Don't feel bad about it, the momma doesn't! It's their way of doing things, and unlike humans, dogs don't go around feeling sorry for themselves, wishing for what once was, what might've been. They live in the moment. It's just the way they do things.
I would however feed the older dog separately, so you can be sure she is getting all she needs nutritionally.
DO NOT ATTEMPT A SUBMISSION ROLL (as suggested by previous poster) They are far too powerful a breed, and that particular technique should only be practiced by experienced professionals. You could get seriously hurt and do more damage then good.
2007-03-13 07:24:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's hard to watch your first pup that was the leader of the pack submit to a younger pup, but it is the nature of dogs. It is better to let them work it out than to baby one over the other. That may cause unneeded aggression above and beyond what is already happening. I would say let them work it out, if momma decides she is irritated she'll put her pup in place. Be happy they are both not fighting to be the alpha, that would be even worse.
Also, I would say at 11 months now is a good time to get the pup into some training sessions, this might help settle her a bit as well.
2007-03-13 07:19:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hold the puppy down on its back and lean over her. Be careful she is going to go wild. Force her to submit. Do this until she changes her behavior.
Also check out The Dog Whisperer
2007-03-13 07:17:26 · answer #4 · answered by grantwiscour 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
seperate them.. whats gonna happen is the daughter is gonna hurt her mother.. Also, that could lead to bad temper when she is older not being a good dog to be freely walked around may be aggressive. Do you happen to know her fatehrs gene's and his temperment?? my dog for instance she has a great temperment she's half pitbull and half german shepard. Her father is calm her mother was agressive, her brother is aggressive while she is calm and very gently with kittens puppies and babies even my mother. (who happens to be shorter then her lol)
2007-03-13 07:22:00 · answer #5 · answered by Lillian ? 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
its not only with animals, its with humans also... one give up every thing for the sake for well growth of their siblings.... which ever species believes in feeding....their kids... have the tendency to give away major part of the food to their siblings. be it humans, dogs, wolf, tigers, leapords, birds, ...
As they all grow in the illution that the kids will take care of them in their old age.....
2007-03-13 07:20:37 · answer #6 · answered by Govindarajan 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋