Need help in alpha situation

[Molly's Mom]

I'm a bit at my wits end on a new situation in our family. Molly, our dachshund was the alpha when the puppies first came into our house, and when it comes to the dogs approaching other people, the alpha is still her. However, in the recent weeks, Sammy has decided he's ready to trade roles with her.

He's guarding her bed so she can't leave, is pulling every toy out of her mouth, nips and growls if she picks up a treat, and won't let her eat her food even if he's finished with his. We tried just letting them work it out, but Molly's not doing anything to defend herself and Sammy's only getting worse on defending what he thinks is "his". It's gotten to the point that Molly just freezes whenever Sammy starts this. I've had pekingese before, so I know they can get like this if you don't keep them social (which is not the case), but I've never had a dachshund so I was surprised that she is so terrified right now.

Sammy will be a year old any day now, and Molly's a month younger, and we've had them for about 8 months. They are pretty much together all the time, and we have wondered if maybe we should start giving them some time away from each other. Would that help this situation any? We have been keeping them apart a little while the past 2 days, but both dogs generally seem confused and seem to want to know where the other is when we do that, but as soon as we put them in the same room, Sammy tries to be dominant again.

I know I've read just to let them work it out, but how far should I let this go before I step in? Any input would be welcome.

[Mark]

Hi Shannon,

IMO there is a point where Sammy has to learn the huge difference between who is the alpha dog and who is the alpha hooman . . . that point is where *you* draw it! If Molly is in a constant state of terror, then it's gone too far and as far as *letting them work it out* . . . that refers to determining who the alpha dog is - it sounds like that has already been determined. There's a difference between being a bully and an alpha dog! Be sure to give them equal attention at all times, especially during this period.

I don't think time apart is the answer, but I'm interested to hear other opinions. I think you have to set the boundaries and make them stick to it, although not so limited that there is no alpha dog.

[dutchman]

Just a few quick general ideas. First off for feeding if it is a big problem right now you ight have to resort to something like feeing them each in their own kennel (assuming they have kennels). It's important for all family members to recognize the pack order the dogs are setting. The alpha needs to be feed first be the first to receive attention, ... In cases with an extreme alpha if you do not respect the order the have established you can actually make matters workse. There have been cases where family members misread which dog was alpha that escalated to blood fights as the alpha dog tryed to asserts it's rights to be first. I'm not sure where to draw the line. I have a lesser alpha struggle going on right now and so far have only stepped in when I saw and heard what I considered the prelude to a serious fight. Remember if a fight does break out our little guys are stubborn and neither one is likely to want to give up. Their tails are sturdy and they were pulled out of badger homes by those tails so they also make the safest handles for you to use if you have to brek up a fight. The few times Frank and Tanner ever fought (always over a chewie things would always settle down and peace was restored as soon as I got a hold of Frank's tail and seperated them. No never ever a blood fight but after a couple of seconds it was evident neither one planned on giving in to the other. Frank is my standard and has a very long tail that means he has the best handle to grap since it is the furthest away from the business end and reduces the risk of being turned on and accidently bitten. While I don't think any of my boys would ever itentionally bite me when their emotions are running high it is possible that they would bite at something before they even know what that thing is.

Good luck,

(Tom and the boys

P.S. MY current alpha struggle seems to be between Tanner and Dexter. These are the two little guys Frank (my standard) for the most part is willing to back down to anyone who wants to growl at him.

[Molly's Mom]

Thanks for the tips, and I will be sure to keep them in mind when handling things. So far, it doesn't look like we will be seeing any fights, but that is because Molly literally will not stand up for herself at all. She just stands there and lets Sammy do whatever he wishes. So for fighting, that's okay so far.

We have had to put a stop to some of the bullying in the last few days, mainly due to snack and bone stealing.

However, I do think that keeping them separate, even though it's just for short times has seemed to help out a lot in the last few days. When we do keep them apart, someone in the family is with each so they aren't alone, so each gets plenty of undivided attention. By the time they are put back together, both of them seem more willing to get along.

We still aren't totally there yet, and we will have to monitor things for a while, but at least for the most part, we are finding some peace in the family once again.

[2DogsLong]

I had a similar situation with my boys. Oscar was supreme alpha and bullied Frankie just for fun. In their case it led to real fights.

Make sure that you respect Sammy's position as alpha or he will overdominate to compensate. If Oscar ever percieved that Frankie was getting better treatment than him he would make Frankie's life miserable. Sammy should be fed first, petted first, have his leash put on first, etc. He should never be put above the alpha human but you can't dictate their pack order so it is best to accept it. What you CAN do is to have Sammy understand that everything belongs to you, not him. Take his toys away when he is done playing with them, and give them to him only when it is play time. Put the beds up and make them sit to get them. Make them wait to be invited on furniture. The less he sees as HIS the less trouble you will have.

Separating them might help Molly develop some self esteem so she isn't walked over.

Enjoy the next 8 months of the 'teenage' years. I found that my dogs were much more enjoyable once they hit 2.

Sue