We have an adult Mini-Poodle and are planning to adopt a Standard pup. Both males.
Clearly, the Standard will arrive the bigger one than our older Mini. We fear the Standard will drive his more senior but smaller Mini out of rank, because he's so much bigger. That would be really sad for the Mini who has gone through so much with our family.
We don't want any deadly fights; the Mini can't even reach the bigger pup. We want them to be equal, so we will treat them equally. Is that possible?
2007-12-17 11:20:04 · 7 answers · asked by ubiquetoss 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
yeah, both neutered
2007-12-17 11:32:14 · update #1
The dog you had first should be higher, no questions about it. Size doesn't matter. My parents dogs know the cat is above them lol.
When you are feeding your dogs, feed the older one first. The higher dog always eats first, that's why the human is supposed to eat first.
I'm sure they will figure it out on their own. There may be some snarling and snapping, but unless it turns into a huge brawl, just leave them be.
Good luck with your pups!
2007-12-17 11:30:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should treat the older dog as the superior from day 1. Size is not a priority with dominance . Make sure the older dog gets to keep his special places ie: if he sleeps on the couch/in the bed etc. Then the pup is shown "not his place"
leave the other be, when it goes there. Sooner or later pup should catch on. I have 2 female poodles, they are closer in size, but tellya the pup learned respect for her big sis from 1st from me (big one is a mush) ,then from the now alpha dog. There has to be a pack order, yes it should be you first, but that's my point establish the order from day 1. Good luck!! It's sweet you want to treat them equal, but 1 must be the aplha. Try helping you older one out with that , it was her house first so she may not need it. But do watch out out -when poodle bite man you'd think their Pit's
2007-12-17 19:49:46 · answer #2 · answered by sue B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Probably not. Size doesn't always establish the hierarchy, but by you not following the order it will only make it worse. You will reduce fights if they know who is alpha and who isn't. If you are constantly treating them equal or are trying to make the submissive dog feel more important (greeting it first), the real alpha dog will constantly need to reenforce its alpha status.
2007-12-17 19:25:21 · answer #3 · answered by feral_akodon 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be prepared little poodle!!! The bigger dog is going to be the alpha dog no matter what you do. Especially two males. Good luck to you. I have a teacup poodle 11 yrs. old and a l5 mo. old german shepard. My poodles world has been turned upside-down. I feel like the mother of two out of control toddlers.
2007-12-17 19:35:02 · answer #4 · answered by linda b 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Someone is ALWAYS on top. That is just the nature of dogs, being pack animals. Hopefully they are both neutered. IF so, you really should not have deadly fights.
2007-12-17 19:23:27 · answer #5 · answered by ARE YOUR NEWFS GELLIN'? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They'll determine who is top dog - not you. And any attempts by you to determine who is top dog could make things worse for the one on the bottom. Every time you disrespect the hierarchy, the dominant dog will feel the need to re-establish his dominance by beating up the submissive dog.
And as far as who will be top dog, it isn't the size of the dog that's important, it's the fight in it.
2007-12-17 19:32:50 · answer #6 · answered by BostonJeffy 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
if you become the alfa you shouldn't have any problems. watch the dog whisper on TV.
2007-12-17 19:33:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋