My dogs don't like each other anymore. :(

[MushyMushy]

Ever since we got our second dog, the two of them have been best buddies. The oldest, a big lab mix, is 11 and not in great shape (hip dysplasia) and the youngest, a medium size mutt, is 3. They used to play together every day. It was a happy, relaxed play. They got in the occasional argument, yipping at each other over some perceived slight, but would make up almost immediately.

Something has shifted in them both over the past few months. Their play started getting a little more aggressive until they quit playing altogether. Their fights are a little more intense -- still no biting, but I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up happening. We've tried encouraging them to play together, trying to get them to play tug of war like they used to always do, but as soon as the older dog gets the rope in her mouth, the younger dog loses interest and walks away. They used to lie next to each other and nap, but now they nap at opposite ends of the room.

Any insight into this? The older dog, despite being in poor shape seems to still want the interaction. It seems to be the younger one who has lost interest in being buddies.

 

[Disney Doll]

Was the older dog always the alpha dog? If so, maybe the younger realizes the older dog is getting older and may not be able to defend his alpha position and now the younger dog is trying to "take" the alpha position?

Is there something physically wrong with the younger dog that is making him snappish?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Who is the alpha?

 

[MushyMushy]

I kind of wondered if it was an issue of alpha/dominance as well. The older dog always was the more aggressive of the two, but she's been a good bit more relaxed lately. I try to do everything equally between them -- give them the same treatment, keep them on equal footing, but it's not as possible now as it used to be. For example, the younger one gets to go more places with us and gets to walk more simply because the older one physically can't.

Yes, the younger one is very healthy, and still the same sweetheart she's always been.

 

[Christine]

When younger dogs come out of their "adolescence and teen years" (after age 2). Their real personality comes out.

I was just writing about this on the thread where the woman's dog killed her cat. I had a similar situation that occurred. My dogs were very friendly while they were "young". When one of my dogs hit age 3-4, she started acting funky, displaying aggression, etc. When I went to a behaviorist, I was told that this is a common time for dogs to come into their "full" personality. Prior to that, they are still "teens" and not quite how they will be.

The younger dog has probably come into his own now and may have some aggression issues.

 

[MushyMushy]

Who is the alpha?

Me!

But realistically the older dog always was, both in size and temperament. The younger dog is more laid back and relaxed and has a nice temperament. If I had to point a finger at which dog is showing the attitude shift, it would be the younger one. Not towards anything else, just with the older dog.

 

[mrsv98]

Me!

But realistically the older dog always was, both in size and temperament. The younger dog is more laid back and relaxed and has a nice temperament. If I had to point a finger at which dog is showing the attitude shift, it would be the younger one. Not towards anything else, just with the older dog.

Yes, it sounds like a shift in the doggie totem pole. The best thing you can do is let them work it out within reason (don't let them hurt each other). If you think the younger dog is really becoming the alpha, you can help things along by acknowledging the shift with your behavior. Give him a treat first, put his food down first, etc. It is kind of sad but inevitable.

We have an 8 yo, 5 yo and 1 yo. At this time, the oldest is still the alpha (tho the little one likes to think she is! ) but there may come a day when we have to deal with a switch in leadership too.

 

[Mermaid02]

There might be more going on with the older dogs health than you realize. Maybe the younger dog realizes the older one can't play like that anymore- maybe he senses he's sick and doesn't want to be around him.

 

[LuvOrlando]

I have no advice but this sounds sad. I wonder if there is a way to encourage them to be more pack-like

 

[stsomewhere]

There might be more going on with the older dogs health than you realize. Maybe the younger dog realizes the older one can't play like that anymore- maybe he senses he's sick and doesn't want to be around him.

I agree with this.

 

[Maryr1]

Are they both neutered? That may play a part in this. I have always had more than 1 dog. When you have more than one, there is a pack mentality going on. Even though you see yourself as the alpha, they still have their own pecking order after you. Always, as my "alpa animal" has faded into old age there is a certain posturing that goes on-especially as the younger ones outgrow the teenage years and get their adult on, KWIM? The best thing I have found to do is- first, get the senior dog checked out at the vet-routine blood work, etc. Sometimes the other dog is letting you know there is a health problem that we don't sense but they do. Second-exercise YOUR alpa over the younger dog in a serious way-do 30 minute downs every day. Use your sit/stay frequently. That way, when things come to pass you will remain the total alpa and will have a better transition especially if you want to introduce another dog. Finally, exercise the younger dog every day to burn off any agressive tendencies. You don't want rough play to become a fight that goes too far and you end up with a very injured eldery pet. Good luck!

 

[MushyMushy]

They were both spayed as pups. They both need their annual physical this month, so I'll bring it up to the vet and see what she says. You're all making good points about the pack order and health issues.