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What Caused Sudden Change In Hierarchy?


Guest KaraBearNC

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Guest KaraBearNC

Adopted 2 year old male in May and 4 year old female in June. He is a momma's boy, needs to know where I am at all times and spoons at night. She is a leaner, and when I return home she will stand next to me for 5-10 minutes for me to hold her. She just started sleeping in the bed about a month ago. He has tried to engage her in play but she just walks past him like she doesn't even see him. I leave them both out unmuzzled during the day.

Tonight I came home and witnessed a never before dynamic. The female, Zumba was very timid and wary of Ranger. I watched as he followed her from room to room, growling over her and bearing his teeth until she cowered.

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Not sure but I would muzzle while you are out in the meantime if you do not already.

Kyle with Stewie ('Super C Ledoux, Super C Sampson x Sing It Blondie) and forever missing my three angels, Jack ('Roy Jack', Greys Flambeau x Miss Cobblepot) and Charlie ('CTR Midas Touch', Leo's Midas x Hallo Argentina) and Shelby ('Shari's Hooty', Flying Viper x Shari Carusi) running free across the bridge.

Gus an coinnich sinn a'rithist my boys and little girl.

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I third the muzzles. Following a dog and growling is not normal behavior.

Tessie, PK's Cat Island 12/9/13
Gabby the Airedale 7/1/18
Forever missing Grace (RT's Grace, 18156/23B), Fenway (not registered, def a greyhound), and Jackson (airedale terrier, honorary greyhound)

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Definitely muzzle both, and I would probably separate them, if possible, when alone. And be very careful with high value treats and toys. Are they both spayed/neutered? Recent vet visits OK? Watch their behavior carefully when you're with them to see if there are any other clues.

Chris - Mom to: Felicity (DeLand), and Andi (Braska Pandora)

52592535884_69debcd9b4.jpgsiggy by Chris Harper, on Flickr

Angels: Libby (Everlast), Dorie (Dog Gone Holly), Dude (TNJ VooDoo), Copper (Kid's Copper), Cash (GSI Payncash), Toni (LPH Cry Baby), Whiskey (KT's Phys Ed), Atom, Lilly

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They could have had "words" while you were out and she may be afraid of him now, especially since he's now following her around and growling at her. I would definitely muzzle them both when you leave the house. I also do not allow any of my dogs bully the others. If they have a reason to growl fine, but just to bully another dog I usually will correct the dog being the bully so to speak.

Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel

Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee

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I've been wondering how the OP should deal with this. Judy, how do you correct the dog being the bully? I recall you talking about this before, but cannot remember how you work with them to correct the behavior.

Sunsands Doodles: Doodles aka Claire, Bella Run Softly: Softy aka Bowie (the Diamond Dog)

Missing my beautiful boy Sunsands Carl 2.25.2003 - 4.1.2014

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Basically I will use a phrase like "back off" and if necessary I can grab a collar and pull them back using that phrase. I only use that phrase to correct this behavior so they learn to back off and go away and leave the other dog alone. I will treat when I get the correct behavior. It's worked great for me. Dogs get really nervous after they have had "words" with each other and it takes a few days for things to settle back down.

Judy, mom to Darth Vader, Bandita, And Angel

Forever in our hearts, DeeYoGee, Dani, Emmy, Andy, Heart, Saint, Valentino, Arrow, Gee, Bebe, Jilly Bean, Bullitt, Pistol, Junior, Sammie, Joey, Gizmo, Do Bee

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Guest KaraBearNC

Thanks everyone. I was fortunate enough to have been able to correct Ranger when he growled. He has stopped pursuing her, and things seem to have returned to normal.

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Keep a close eye on them. The boys, no matter how gentle, seem to need to show they want to be Alpha when they get to about 2-1/2 to 3 years old. At least, that has been my experience. Things will settle down as long as they know why the boss/alpha is - which should be you.

 

Mom to Melly and Dani

Greyhound Bridge Angels - Jessie, Brittne, Buddy,

Red, Chica, Ford and Dodge.

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Thanks everyone. I was fortunate enough to have been able to correct Ranger when he growled. He has stopped pursuing her, and things seem to have returned to normal.

That's good to hear. It didn't sound like a change in hierarchy to me, but a grudge about "something" that had happened. Sounded like someone was being a brat - and it needed to stop.

 

Now that it's over - it's over. One thing I LOVE about dogs - they don't hold grudges once it's been dealt with.

Keep a close eye on them. The boys, no matter how gentle, seem to need to show they want to be Alpha when they get to about 2-1/2 to 3 years old. At least, that has been my experience. Things will settle down as long as they know why the boss/alpha is - which should be you.

Not that I disagree with your experience - but any trouble I've personally ever had - has been with the girls. Once they start feeling their oats - they try to be queen bee - until they learn that they're not. Males - I've never had an issue with. They all know I'm their queen bee - and love it.

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