Puppy pecking order question

[chalky76]

My wife and I have a seven year old English Springer Spaniel. She is very good natured but a little anxious around other dogs (she was attacked by another dog whilst being walked when she war three). We have recently brought home a lovely Belgium Shepherd cross who is 11 weeks old. She is quite boisterous and playful and they get on great. However on occasion the Shepherd has been a little snappy and had shown off her teeth when the Springer has had one of her mad 5 minutes. As most of you probably know Springers are a little scatty and occasionally have a release of energy whereby they just spin around the room for a bit.

Now my question is should I be concerned by the puppy’s reaction? Should I let them develop their own pecking order or should we push for one of them to be the more dominant dog (by feeding first, prioritising bedding areas etc) and if so should we make the Springer the dominant one (she is older but will be smaller and is generally a submissive dog) or should we make the Shepherd the dominant one (she will by breed nature be more protective, bigger etc)?

I would really appreciate any advice on this issue.

Thanks

Chalky

[nick_j007]

Originally Posted by chalky76

My wife and I have a seven year old English Springer Spaniel. She is very good natured but a little anxious around other dogs (she was attacked by another dog whilst being walked when she war three). We have recently brought home a lovely Belgium Shepherd cross who is 11 weeks old. She is quite boisterous and playful and they get on great. However on occasion the Shepherd has been a little snappy and had shown off her teeth when the Springer has had one of her mad 5 minutes. As most of you probably know Springers are a little scatty and occasionally have a release of energy whereby they just spin around the room for a bit.

Now my question is should I be concerned by the puppy’s reaction? Should I let them develop their own pecking order or should we push for one of them to be the more dominant dog (by feeding first, prioritising bedding areas etc) and if so should we make the Springer the dominant one (she is older but will be smaller and is generally a submissive dog) or should we make the Shepherd the dominant one (she will by breed nature be more protective, bigger etc)?

I would really appreciate any advice on this issue.

Thanks

Chalky

Good question Chalky,

Generally I leave the dogs to sort themselves out providing there is no overspill into genuinely aggressive behaviour on either part. Puppies can get it wrong because they have no idea, and older because they are getting stressed by the puppy.

I would be dealing with your older dog as top dog for the first 6 months at least, in the sense of feeding first, doors first, lead on first and so on. if nothing else, this creates a good habit/routine for the dogs to follow and you knw what you'ere doing in the short term. Routine is good for dogs and people.

At 6 months or so you'll know where these two are heading in the relationship and can make adjustments if needed. The Higher ranking dog can vary a great deal from day to day in my experience. Just be sure that they both understand that you and your wife are in control/top 'dogs'.

Be sure that the older dog can get away from it all when needed, and use a crate for the pup to create calm when required.

Despite my border terrier being small female at 4 yrs of age, she is definately still 'boss' over my 5 month old much bigger male wire haired vizsla : YouTube - AlphaDogBehaviour's Channel

He was only 3 months here, but you can see the dynamics.

HTH,

Nick

[chalky76]

Thanks for the advice. I have noticed the pup (shepherd) snapping here and there so I assume I should redirect that behaviour into something else?

[nick_j007]

Originally Posted by chalky76

Thanks for the advice. I have noticed the pup (shepherd) snapping here and there so I assume I should redirect that behaviour into something else?

If snapping at your older dog or indeed a person then yes. Many a dog will stop if you issues a firm word, or maybe hold the collar until it calms down. Some find a trailing line (lead length) is helpful to stop the dog getting itself into trouble. I like rope raggies that are in the pet store...kept my pup busy for hours...it acts like dental floss too

[george.mikal]

thanks nick_j007 for sharing link here