Dog psychology

@urbandekay (18278)
November 12, 2008 2:55am CST
I have two dogs, mother and daughter border collies. The older dog is extremely dominant for a b1tch and has some possession aggression but so obedient, I only have to open the back of the truck and say 'in' and she jumps up and into it. It is about 4 foot of the ground and the pup has been reluctant to jump up. I tried initially throwing biscuits into the back, thinking she would be desperate to get them before the other dog, but to no avail. So, I had to have another think. This time I prompt the back open and got into the cab, I then opened the widow between cab and the back and loudly praised and stroked the older dog, after a few seconds the pup leaped straight up and pushed her mum out the way to get a petting. Soon, she'll be leaping in on command. As I put their food down, I have them lie down and wait patiently till I am finished, and then a little more, so they won't eat till I give them the command. Usually, after they finish their food, they like to check the others bowl, which is of course licked clean. Yesterday, I dished out the food and let them eat but the pup must have got to close and the next thing they were fighting, tooth and nail. Well, the mum quickly put the pup down, though she is bigger than mum now and I had to go and stand over them to let the pup eat. Later that day, I'd gone to visit my mum and the older dog was standing their next to me, she is about 5. The pup came in and came up to her. Nothing was said but I could tell by her posture that the mum was seeking submission from the pup; a hard stare, ears back and tense musculature. The pup, replied by licking her face, a clear sign of submission. (When your dog tries to lick you, she is submitting and asking you to regurgitate some food for her) This wasn't enough for mum, who probably wanted her to roll over, the next minute they were tooth and claw again knocking over my mum's table before I could react. I stand up and say down, they both drop but there is tea all over the place, from the upturned table. Well, these dominance fights are rare and that's the first time they've had two in one day. Well, the pup, who is now 17 months so not really a pup any more, is bigger and more heavily muscled than mum and can out run her, though mum has more endurance, but has not yet pricked up her ears, still having the lop ears of a pup. Well, I am wondering how long the older dog can maintain her dominance? all the best urban
1 response
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
12 Nov 08
As I was reading this on the mother's dominance, I thought, not long!
@urbandekay (18278)
12 Nov 08
Well, she back very much in control today with a very subdued pup, so we'll see. all the best urban
1 person likes this
• United States
18 Nov 08
Wow..maybe mom will win! (My mother stills rules all the roost in our family! Not that she's a b***! Tho. She's rather sweet about it!)