Is Otis asking for trouble?

[bigotis]

Otis (8 mos.) lives with big brother Chinook, a 130 lb. Alaskan Malamute. (Otis weighed in at 10lbs 7oz last check). When Otis first came home, Chinook was not at all thrilled, for the most part ignored Otis, but did snap at him a few times. Chinook has since learned to accept Otis as a fact of life, even taking turns with their occasional DQ. Now when Otis walks by, Chinook will either ignore him, or sometimes bear his teeth as warning. Just the other night my brave little dachsie started egging big brother on, trying to get him to play and then jumping back, even barking. Chinook got up and barked once, sorta (slowly) lunged at Otis and Otis ran around and round, enjoying every minute. Also, when Otis is happy, like when we first come home, he has been jumping up on Chinook! He usually jumps right at his mouth, sometimes trying to give him a big kiss! I can't believe Chinook puts up with this, and worry sometimes that Otis is taking it too far!

It was also interesting on Thanksgiving. Kevin's brother brought his female lab over and all three were in the back yard. This dog plays rough and was rolling Otis in the snow! Otis was having fun but Chinook did not like it. He held Otis in one place with his jaw open over his back. When Otis would try to get up, Chinook would keep him there by growling. I said I think he was trying to "protect" him, at least that's what I HOPE he was doing.

Does anyone have experience with different breeds/ages living together? Any feedback on this one?

Otis's mommy, A.

[Dolly's Mom]

Baby Otis?
Dis is The Dolly Mama. YUP! You are asking for trubbo. Maybe you should pick on someone your own size so you won't get hurt. http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif

Dolly

[Mark]

Hi A,

Top Spin (80 pound Catahoula) is protective of his "pack" also. When he hears a noise outside to investigate . . . before he asks to go out he goes to each of the 2 Mini Wirehairs, Duck Butter & Masse, as though to check that they are OK first. I have also heard of Catahoula's who will down a human child (in their family) and even drag the child away from the others, if involved in active play with other human children, therby protecting them.

No, IMO I don't think Otis is asking for trouble. From the desciption, Chinook is secure in his alpha dog role and knows that it's play. Believe me . . . you would know if it was a problem to either of them. If Otis "does" cross the line . . . Chinook will let him know.

It never hurts for us hoomans to stay alert in multi dog homes, though.

Mark

[wireweiners]

Button, my 11 month old standard wire puppy does the same thing with my Catahoula, Katie. She just loves her Auntie Katie and will jump up on her and kiss her. Fortunately, Katie plays back. She will let the pups know when she has had enough though. The face licking is a sign of submission. The lesser dog will lick the alpha's face. Katie is very protective of "her" dachshunds to the point where she has attacked a neighbors dogs that was going after Wheeler. At night, when the coyotes are close and howling, she goes on patrol around the perimeter of the yard.

Mark, when I was a small child my dad had a catahoula named Madam Queen. When the neighbor kids and my sisters and I would be tussling around the yard, Queenie would grab us by the arm of leg and pull us out of the pile. She would also pull the other kids off us. She was always gentle when she did it though.

[bigotis]

Thanks to everyone and especially to the wise Dolly's mama. You got little Oaty shakin' in his little booties!!

Otis's mommy, A. <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm12.gif" border=0>