aussie tries to be dominant

[jelinski]

We have 2 aussies, Riley is 14 and Rosie is 6. They have always gotten along but there have been a few times that Rosie went at Riley. I think she's confused about who should be dominant because Riley, even tho he's male, is very meek. When she goes at him or even looks at him cross eyed, he runs behind me and sticks his head between my legs. Rosie is never like that any other time. She has gone to obedience school and did very well. How can I stop her from going at Riley? I think she will settle down when Rileys gone, am I hoping for to much? Marg

[Dog Dancer]

When the senior more dominant dog in the pack ages the younger ones are inclined to try to take advantage of their weakness and try to dominate. I watched that happening with my two as my older one aged. It's very important for you to reinforce Riley's position in the pack by feeding him first, treats for him first, leash him up first. Rosie needs to be reminded that he is the dominant one. That said it is possible that at some point Rosie will become the dominant one. I would let Riley handle it himself unless it turns into fighting where one could get injured. Animals really do have a way of working it out. Others may have other opinions, but this is just what I felt with my two.

[jelinski]

Thanks. That's what we have been trying to do but it's hard when Riley won't do anything to defend himself. Marg

[Dog Dancer]

It's entirely possible that Riley knows he's no longer in a position to be the dominant dog in the pack. He may not care! I wouldn't worry too much so long as you stick to your program and let them work it out. Riley will likely let Rosie know if she pushes it too far. Good luck. It's so hard to watch the change in the pack like that. It broke my heart to see my old girl lose status.

[GalaxiesKuklos]

Originally Posted by jelinski

We have 2 aussies, Riley is 14 and Rosie is 6. They have always gotten along but there have been a few times that Rosie went at Riley. I think she's confused about who should be dominant because Riley, even tho he's male, is very meek. When she goes at him or even looks at him cross eyed, he runs behind me and sticks his head between my legs. Rosie is never like that any other time. She has gone to obedience school and did very well. How can I stop her from going at Riley? I think she will settle down when Rileys gone, am I hoping for to much? Marg

Considering dominance is really not very useful. Not only is it almost never applicable, it doesn't play a role in addressing the situation. Besides, you already rules it out in your description of the older male.

Consider trying Behavioral modification and Behavioral Adjustment Training.


http://functionalrewards.com/

http://ahimsadogtraining.com/blog/20...ment-training/

http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/iss...n_16214-1.html

http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm...l.jsp?id=17521

http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/ma...ource-guarding