Pack Order Problem

[HAPPY]

Our household consists of 2 adult males 1 female (human) and 2 male dogs. Jasper, a 2 year old Italian Greyhound, and Barret, a 10 week old Standard Poodle. Jasper is neutered, and the puppy being show quality, with an excellent future show career, will not be. After having a female Standard Poodle in the house for 3 months, who was 8 months old and very submissive, was returned to it's breeder due to unforeseen health issues. Jasper is completely accepting of his new pack/play mate. However, we have an issue regarding dominance. This 10week old puppy, is trying to substantiate his dominance! Barret, has not backed down at any of Jaspers show of "pack pecking order", and within 4 days of the puppy being brought home, Jasper's behavior has been in play, to body slam (gentle), crouch into a ducking posture, play bite and then roll over and be submissive, letting the puppy get the best of him. He is also now letting the puppy hump him, and offers up willingly any of his "MANY" squeaky toys for a tug-of-war game in which he usually wins, but in all probabilities, not for long. I know Jasper wants to be, and is now, the "Dominant" one of the two, but, will likely change very soon. They are both relatively the same in size proportion now, but the size ratio will change next week and in the weeks to come. My question is : How do we preserve Jasper's "Doggy Dignity" and avoid any "inevitible" scuffles? Jasper is only aggressive when it comes to food. He will drop whatever it is he is eating, ie: reward biscuit, to attack from across the room, and seize a biscuit the puppy has, and I fear in doing so, a scuffle, or worse, may be on the horizon.

Thank You. Time is of the essence, and "All" of us will be most appreciative for any recommendations/suggestions you may have.

Sincerely,

A HAPPY-Pack

[agilityk9trainer]

Trying to impose what you want the pack order to be often results in more headaches. Let the dogs figure it out themselves. If Jasper winds up being the more submissive of the two, than that's OK. If you try to do things to undermine that, you can wind up with some serious issues on your hands.

Let the dogs figure it out and only intervene if you're concerened someone will get physically hurt. Actually, things may rev up a bit when the poodle reaches sexual maturity and/or when the poodle reaches 18 months to over 2 years old.

[DrKym]

I have a very very dominant 80 lb F dobie, who is completeley submissive to an 18 pound cocker. She(the dobie) is totally dominant over a 70 lb male dobie, is this the order I wanted ..............nope. Is it working for them? Yep, so it works for me. Granted it is a bit humorus to see my cocker take what she wants from both dobies, and trot to the best seat in the house to enjoy it. However, they have no issues with it. Both the dobies joined our house full grown btw.

Leave it be and be aware if there becomes an issue (physically), other than that , enjoy watching them grow and learn together. Mentally and physically.

[HAPPY]

A big OK and my fingers are crossed. I'll let them figure it out and be in their presence when they are together. Distractions with fun play, I will try for. If the roles should change, I can only hope for a smooth transition. Thanks for your expertise!

[applesmom]

You've already recieved some excellent advice. I'll just add one more suggestion.

Since you are already completely aware that Jasper is extremely food agressive; don't ever give them any treats or food when they are in the same room together.

The rest of it they should be able to sort out for themselves under your watchful eyes.

Good Luck!

[HAPPY]

Barret is now larger then Jasper and he takes NO "doo doo" from Jasper. They play respectfully. The food situation is now calm and easy, with both dogs eating the same exact diet and at the same time with just the water bowl seperating them. What I did to solve the problem was to sit between them, and pick up each bowl with a quick switch...trading Barrets bowl with Jaspers! I did this several times during their feedings as I said calmly.."see same food, good food, good dogs! This took about five days, 3 feedings per day in small amounts and I took their bowls away as soon as they got close to finishing. Now when I put their bowls down for feeding time, they keep their minds on their own bowls and food and they finish without 1 peep, and I now "stand" watch instead of sitting.