alpa dogs

[kitten]

well I've been haveing this problem with D'artagnan and aramis even though as tinny as aramis is he's the dominate one and he's not afraid to put Dartagnan in his place. aND DARTAGNAN IS ACTUALLY LISSENING TO HIM. but needless to say I would think the older dog would be the more dominate one and be higher in the packs rank but aramis wont put up with less. not only that but he's been trying to dominate my 20 month old son he will just stand over him while the baby trys to crawl sometimes he'll even growl at him if the baby trys to move so were working on trying to stop that behavor. but this just seems backward to me. I would think that the 9 month old dog who has been here since he was 10 weeks would feel more dominate than a little 14 week old puppy but he dont. I just cant understand why Dartagnan would let a new commer and a baby take what was his as far as rank. he'll even give up a toy if aramis wants it. and aramis gets first dibs on bones sleeping averything.

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mom of....
D'artagnan: semi-flashy fawn male croped and docked 12/4/99
Aramis: flashy brindal docked not croped yet 7/8/00

Pack order is something that, while mysterious to us, is inate in dogs. Your alpha definately knows he is boss and so does the older dog. Be glad, that saves alot of battling for top spot! As for growling at the baby....I would stop that IMMEDIATELY. You need to work with this pup so that he learns that while he may be alpha with the other dog, he is NOT aplha when it comes to your family members, especially the baby. A great way to do that is to put him on his back and growl "NO" at him loudly each time he exhibits ANY dominant behavior over you or the baby. Sounds extreme but it does work.


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Mom to:
LADY - White female, natural ears. Rainbow Bridge February 2000
TESS - Flashy Fawn female, born Dec, 1999, natural ears
ZELDA - Semi-flashy Female, natural ears, born May 31, 2000
REBEL- White with dark brindle eye patch and ear. Born 6-27-00 Natural ears