Dear Fisher,
I live with my human and one other dog. We dogs are both female and spayed. My roommate dog was about 5 years old when I showed up at just 6 weeks old. She took me under her wing and played with me and cleaned me and taught me how to play fight.
That was all fine until I turned 2 years old and now our playing isn’t so much fun. We’re getting into some nasty fights. I’m not sure why the sudden change. Our human is very upset about our fighting and I fear one of us might have to go. We are big dogs – 85 to 95 pounds each and we could do a lot of harm to each other and to her. Can you help us through this? It was so nice when we got along with each other.
Bear
Dear Bear,
Yours is a normal situation, albeit, frightful and most likely annoying. As a 2-year old, you have come into your age of social maturity. Coddling by your older housemate is no longer acceptable and you now want the first treat, first dibs on the new toy, and first to reach the door to greet your human. Naturally, the older gal who was mothering to you as a pup is not pleased. Think of it from her point of view. It is a “Who the heck do you think you are?” reaction.
None of you are at fault here. It is natural in a setting where two dogs live together to reach an agreement of social hierarchy where one of you is dominant (alpha), and the other is subordinate. Throughout all the ages, such an agreement between dogs allows them to work together. You may not believe it now, but your cooperation as the subordinate dog will make your life much easier. After all, your life was pretty cushy before you reached this stage.
Doggies Paradise gives excellent advice for all three of you:
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• Alpha dog status must be supported. Let Alpha take toys from you, be first in line, and sleep with her head on the pillow.
• Humans must not undermine your hierarchy by attempting to treat you equally.
• Your hierarchy rituals, no matter how upsetting, should be allowed in order to establish dominance in the pack.
• Bear, face it, you are younger and newer to the group, therefore you are the subordinate.
• Alpha, without exception, should get the preferential treatment.
• Humans should never attempt to break up a fight between dogs – use a blast of water from a hose if need be.
Once you are through trying to impress each other with your penchant for dominance, the natural order of things will come into play and there will be peace in your world.
Your friend,
Fisher
published in tbt Tampa Bay
Out There weekend edition
