My Pom dog (11) has always been SO in charge, even bullying. Lately the younger female (5) has been challenging him, and even charged him this evening! They are both fixed. Is this normal? Should I interfere? He is older, but still bigger than her, so I am afraid of what will happen when I go to work.
2007-05-14 15:58:55 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Most dogs have an established order amongst themselves. If he is indeed too old to be the alpha, he will concede to her, usually without bloodshed, and they will be content again. If you interfere, you only prolong it. If she becomes too aggressive and appears to be wanting to hurt him, you can separate them, but it seems to me that maybe she has had enough of being bullied.
2007-05-14 16:03:55 · answer #1 · answered by Jess 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's perfectly natural what they are doing. It in the wild if the alpha dog started to age and become weaker a younger pack member would try to take their position. The only time you should interfere with this is if any aggression is shown from either dog. Otherwise just let them go and accept that the once alpha dog may now be the low dog in the house.
I personally have two shepherds, 8 and 10. The older one has recently been having alot of problems getting around and the younger one immediately took over the position as alpha dog because she knows she cannot be challenged back as she once could. I know its really easy to sit there and feel bad for the older dog, but its just a part of nature and you have to go with the flow. Unless they are becoming aggressive towards one another you may end up disturbing the balance of your house more than letting peace in your house remain.
2007-05-14 23:05:51 · answer #2 · answered by maya 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU should be alpha over both dogs. You shouldn't let one of your dogs be alpha over the other, or you will have fights. If you are alpha, then they are 2nd, and they have no reason to fight. You treat them equal, they are equal to one another.. If they were to challenge, it would have to be you.. You maintain alpha and they won't challenge you..
Crate them when you go out.. You will have troubles if they are challenging one another when you are home.. Fixed doesn't necessarily mean anything, if you are allowing your old male to have an alpha position. You are allowing pack mentality and not controlling things.
2007-05-14 23:11:36 · answer #3 · answered by DP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I strongly advise you to take the Pom for a thorough medical check up. Whenever we've had a senior dog suddenly being attacked by lower ranking dogs who've accepted their lower status for many years, there has been a medical problem with the senior dog.
2007-05-14 23:06:03 · answer #4 · answered by Lori R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Our 9 yr old chi Pee Wee has always been the boss of our chihuahuas. So far the title has held up. As he gets a little older that may change, but the other dogs respect him and give him his space. He will growl at them if they try to get out of line, but he is a real sweetheart. He always helps take the young ones under his wings and show them the ropes.
2007-05-14 23:06:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just as within a family,dogs roles change within their pack.(your family).It's not uncommon for an older dog to have to give up their leadership.There may have been a skirmish between your dogs that you didn't see.I wouldn't worry too much.Even though the boy is a senior citizen,and fixed,he may have been making advances,and she's just now feeling as though she can put him in his place.Let them work it out,I'm sure everything will be fine.Just be sure not to show any kind of favoritism.
2007-05-14 23:12:23 · answer #6 · answered by Rebecca L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your supose to be the alpha, stwp in and show them you are the boss. Give them equal attention and show them you are the alpha and all will be great.
2007-05-14 23:11:49 · answer #7 · answered by R M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋