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Household Dominance

posted 1 year ago in Pets
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    1.
    Member
    1,196 posts
    Bumble bee
    Dragonsus    December 19, 2009   Lexington KY

    How long does it usually take for two dogs who live together to establish dominance?

    We just adopted a Cardigan Corgi and our first corgi, Eva the Diva, is living up to her name - she's herding him around the backyard,nipping and mouthing him, shoving herself in front of anyone giving the new dog attention, etc. etc. 

    I'm aware that this is a normal part of having two dogs, and as long as there's no blood, I'm fine, plus both dogs consider me the alpha and a sharp yell from me usually makes them stop if they're jostling in the house (outside, it's their business and I try not to interfere).

    Anyone have a ballpark on how long this might take?

     
    2.
    Member
    1,563 posts
    Bumble bee
    sdrury89    March 10, 2012   Houston, TX

    It really depends. If your original dog is usually dominant around other dogs it may take a couple weeks, if she's usually pretty submissive it can take a day or two. It seems like you're doing the right thing by letting them work it out, and as long as they both view you as the alpha, I wouldn't worry too much.

    ETA: I have a degree in Animal Science and worked at a boarding facility for over 2 years, so I have some experience with animals. I've also volunteered at animal shelters and rescue groups for over 10 years. lol

     
    3.
    Member
    1,346 posts
    Bumble bee
    Miss Apricot    May 30, 2009   Minnesota

    Just wanted to add that making her "Sit" and "Wait" while the other dog gets attention might be a good idea, too.  Our dog thinks any pet getting attention means he should get attention, too.  He isn't aggressive at all about it, he just wants in on the fun.  Following what I saw on an episode of "It's Me or the Dog" we make him sit and wait, and tell him "(Insert other pet's name here)'s turn!" while we pet the other dog/cat.  Then we tell him, "Alright, (Insert pet's name here)'s turn!" and then pet him.  

     
    4.
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    2,099 posts
    Buzzing bee
    caitlanc    September 12, 2009   Western Slope of Colorado

    I second that it depends on the individuals.  Bones (current) and Rusty (previous) were settled into their patterns for the most part but the heirarchy was always fluid.  In the living room Bones was the boss, in the bathroom it was Rusty.  I always found that strange. 

    I'd say if the Cardi (I can't remember his name!) is mellow things will shake out within a week or two.  If he doesn't particularly want to be ruled by "The Diva" it could definitely take longer.  If it was me, I would make which ever dog is being pushy to wait until they're being calm and polite to get lovings regardless of which one winds up being on top.  Having two dogs definitely changes the dynamics!  I'm curious to see how Bones changes once our new (Pembroke) pup comes home this weekend. 

    Oh!  Another thing we would do: Both dogs would be put into a Down-Stay before they were fed since they were VERY food motivated.  They had to wait until we released them, including if we would release one first and the other had to wait longer. 

     

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