One of my dogs is challenging the alpha dog? can she know the other dog is sick?

Question

Is it because she can sense she is sick? It's sad to see, but what can I do?

The alpha dog (border collie) has been sick for 2 weeks, and the past 2 days my other dog is challenging her. What should I do?
so far, I don't intervene, I keep an eye to make sure it does not turn into a fight. So far, it's been "friendly" but it's definately not a behavior my "submissive"dog usually has...and usually my border collie replies pretty quickly but not anymore. I really noticed the change today, while walking them and while playing with them in the yard, my other dog was taking over.
any suggestions? would it be bad for the moral of my sick dog?

My sick dog has been seen by the vet 3 times in 2 weeks. Will know tomorrow the results of the tests.

I am the alpha, and my dogs are below my husband as well... but they do have a ranking system between themselves!

Answer 1

Of your course the other dog knows the border collie is sick, and is going to take advantage of it.

I would support the other dog in the role it is trying to take. You may cause more fighting etc. if you don't.

When your other dog is well again it may take back its position.



Its generally best to let the dogs determine pack order amongst themselves, so long as you they stay below you in ranks.

Answer 2

Yes the other dog is aware that the alpha is sick and is challenging for position in the "pack" Keep an eye on it. Dont allow it to turn into a blood bath, but let the dogs be. They are by nature, pack animals, and your border collie may have just decided that she no longer wants to be the alpha. It will be ok.

Answer 3

So long as it does not come to a blood bath, let the dogs work it out for themselves. If the Border Collie submits to the other dog, then let her submit. It's her decision to give up the position of alpha dog. She may even prefer to not be the alpha any more, because then she can just relax and not feel like she has to be the leader, which will be better for her if she's sick and weak.

Answer 4

Yes, they know when their "leader" is down and out. Think about a pack of wolves. If the Alpha dog is not strong enough another one will take over.

Here is my question though?? Why are you not the Alpha in the pack?? If you have an Alpha dog..... that basically means that your dog is the leader and she is in control of you. I would suggest making it known to both of your dogs that you are in control. Check out Cesar Milans webpage to find out some tips. Here's a couple of them - make sure you always walk through the door before your dogs and make sure when mixing there food you use your hands, it puts your scent on their food. Just a few ideas.

Trust me I know this is difficult. I have two male dogs that like to challenge each other but I have to step in and let them know I'm in charge of them both.

Answer 5

Yes, definitely your submissive dog knows the alpha dog is sick. Dogs' sense of smell is very keen. They can smell when a person is sick, also.

If your alpha dog is tolerating the aggressive behavior, it is possible that your alpha dog senses that she will no longer be able to maintain leadership, maybe because she senses her end is near, or because she is just too tired and feels she no longer has the strength to maintain leadership. In the wild, sick animals are often attacked and killed or driven away by healthy ones to vie for leadership, and that is carried over to the domestic cousins who abide by the alpha code.

I would not tolerate the new aggressive behavior of the formerly submissive dog, but would correct the behavior by whatever means of discipline you have used to train your dogs whenever it is displayed in your presence. If you suspect it is going on while you are absent, I would separate the two when you are not around, putting the aggressor in the unfamiliar area of confinement leaving the sick dog in her familiar surroundings.

I believe the aggressive behavior would not be conducive to peace of mind of your sick alpha dog at very least. She doesn't need that extra hassle right now when she is not feeling good in the first place. She needs a safe, loving environment, lots of encouragement, lots of pampering, not an aggressive successor troubling her. She will appreciate your protection, in fact probably looks to you for it since in her mind, you are her alpha dog.

Answer 6

not at all. its kind of hard to explain but its just nature. dogs are decended from wolves and they still maintain some certain instincts. if the sick dog is no longer able to lead the pack, someone has to take over. as long as the submissive dog doesnt harm the other while attempting to take over the alpha leadership, i would just let nature do what it does. good luck.

Answer 7

I think that's a natural reaction for dogs. It may help the sick animal to recover (have the will to fight), so keep an eye on it but I don't think it can hurt anything. What's wrong with the sick dog? Should you take him to the Vet's?

Answer 8

I think it's natural. However, if your alpha dog gets healthy, expect her to challenge in areas she hasn't challenged before.

I have only seen this once so I really am no authority.

Answer 9

You are not obligated to let your dogs duke it out! Separate the dogs, immediately and completely. It is grossly unfair to the sick dog to let the other dog gang up on her. As a responsible owner you cannot give them a reason to fight.

Answer 10

she actually knows that
XD

that's why she is using the oportunity
:S