Dominance problem ??

[peggs]

Hi, I have two male dachsies, a 7yr old and 9 mth old. Have had the 9mth old recently castrated (has only been living with us for previous 3 months. Problem is my 7 yr old who just will not leave 9 mth old alone, constantly following him around, licking his rear and wingeing and whining, nibbling his neck etc. Had 9 mth old castrated on advice of vet who said may calm things a little ! I treat the 7 yr old as the dominant dog, feed him first, he is allowed on chairs and sleeps upstairs in his own bed while other dog sleeps downstairs and is not allowed on furniture. Can anyone help me with advice on how I should be dealing with this situation ?? Many thanks.

[Mark]

Hi Peggs,

Of what you've said, what do you see as a problem? The dominant dog will normally spend a lot of time at the other pack members rears and around their neck & ears. A dog that kisses the face or specifically the mouth area is showing recognition to the pack alpha. I'm only unsure of the whining and nibbling, which is not a typical pack interaction based on the roles you've described. Based on their roles it also sounds like you are treating them as it should be.

When my pack alpha wouldn't leave the ears of the others alone . . . it usually meant they had an ear infection coming on.

Mark