Hello everyone,

I have 2 mals that are always separated when not supervised and they usually get along just fine on walks and when at home. Recently I've noticed that my female trys to dominate him by running up to him and nipping him. The male pup usually gets up bites her really hard and causes her to submit. I usually call them off whenever they begin their roughousing..
Yesterday I decided to leave them to see what they will do if left. I videotaped the "royal rumble" from my phone.
I'm wondering what other "multi-dog" owners do about that..

The video is quite big.. the link Adolf wrestling Jinny

Should I leave them to decide their pecking order.. I'm sure that Jinny (the almost 2 year old female) will want to maintain (what in her mind is) the higher ranking dog status. Whereas, the male is (obviously shown by repeated pinnings and bites) establishing himself as the higher ranked dog.

Ideas and feedback are welcome..

John, I'm of the opinion that they should not be left to decide their pecking order. I watched the video in its entirety. I came away feeling that your female was being rather light hearted about it, but it also seemed she was being bullied a bit. The pup kept it up for a long time. If this goes on often in your home, I believe your pup needs to learn manners and respect toward your female. Some of this may just be play for them (it did look like it since the female didn't try very hard to get to her feet), but it could escalate one day, as the male pup becomes used to controlling the female with the bites to the throat. Adult dogs will only take so much from puppies, after a certain age the pups are expected to mind their manners. Your female is pretty mellow in the video, and is probably having some fun of her own. One day that may all end and she may decide enough is enough and deal him a hard discipline, but I think I wouldn't wait for that day, cause the pup won't be a pup much longer, he'll get stronger, and a fight may ensue. Am sending you a PM with a website you may be interested in.

Sandy, can you send me the same website?

Judy

Sure, PM on the way.

Exactly my thoughts... Luckily I can call them off of each other. Usually I down the female and recall the male each time they start that.. I decided to "film" the issue to see what other people's opinion were.
Regarding the pecking order, it's pretty obvious that the male will be assuming the higher rank. I watch how they act when loose, he goes through doors first, up and down stairs first, when I take them on walks (the pup is always on leash) my female eventhough is off leash walks a tad behind him. I, personally will start treating them in that order. Meaning, pet the male first then female. (if anyone disagrees, please tell me <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )

Regarding the video, there were some parts that I didn't get to film, which is when the male is just walking around and minding his own business, the female would just jump on him and grab him by the scruff; that's when he turns around and does what he does <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the PM I will be doing more reading.. (actually 2 days ago - same day I filmed, I bought a book that has to do with what all the body languages of dogs mean.. I want to read that too.

Regards,

You did mention in your first post that your female will run up and nip the pup, and after seeing their interaction in the video, it did sound as if she was engaging him in play instead of trying to be dominant, but it's hard to tell which she's doing without seeing it. But I'm thinking it's her way of wanting to play after seeing her reaction in the video. I could be wrong though, you know her and can probably best judge her intent/body language when she goes to nip him.

One thing, I would like to hear what some others think about downing the female and not downing the male as well, and the whole pecking order thing. Personally, I would down them both, so would like to know if that sounds right to others.

I down both of them but I keep them a bit far from each other.. The male is still in the distraction phase of training so downing him too close is too much of a distraction. He would remain "down" but stretch his head and nip her.. (very funny to see though)..