What more could a Mom ask for on Mother’s Day? Sibling Rivalry in Canines.
What more could Mom ask for on Mother's Day besides a little sibling rivalry between the dogs?
With my dogs Maze and Malibu, seeing who will take first place and claim their spot beside me is stiff competition. Sitting with a couple of heavyweights in your lap is impossible. There’s always a war over the same toy. It doesn’t matter if they all have their own. It’s wanting someone else’s sandwich instead of your own. It doesn’t matter how well you dress it up or if the fixings are the same.
Sibling rivalry occurs in canines just like it does in children. Have you ever heard that two puppies are better than one?
Experts don't suggest adopting more than one at a time because puppies require lots of socialization, one-to-one time, plus training, and, if you haven't guessed, it's moolah.
Oh, and here's a warning: you need lots of patience. When they're not waking you up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, they are co-conspirators destroying whatever they can sink their teeth into. It's roughhousing into walls and windows and trampling flowerbeds until their interactions prove spicy.
The youngest Malibu is my go-to when interactions are spicy in my household. She will follow me to the end of the Earth for a treat. In turn, Maze gets a reprieve from her younger sister, Malibu, who puts the H in ADHD, bouncing off the walls and meddling where she doesn't belong. Neither of my girls intends to harm each other.
Of course, there are instances when you should refrain from bribes and interfering in your dog’s social interactions altogether.
My Catahoula-Aussie mix, Bourbon, has a strong herding instinct. Bribes won't cut it; he doesn't even notice them when he’s corralling and fencing the other dogs into the perimeters he’s set for them. He doesn’t nip, but his snarl makes him sound aggressive. He’s driven and doesn’t hear me when I call on him. In his mind, he’s performing his job. He’s unstoppable until I walk off the scene.
The minute I’m gone, looking at him through the window, the other dogs gather around and sniff Bourbon like he’s king of the yard. Why does this feel like a power play? Perhaps it is. I’ve moved on, and he’s still out there, getting the attention he’s earned. His subjects are under his thumb. I can’t help but feel that I’ve lost control.
Are we teaching our dog’s lousy behavior?
According to authors Horwitz and Landsberg, who wrote for the VCA Animal Hospitals website, we contribute to our dog’s undesirable behavior. What we believe will help may have the opposite effect, especially concerning canine aggression. Like siblings, dogs of the same litter and dogs in the same household will fight.
In the wild, dogs choose where they want to stay. If a pack makes them feel unwelcome, they move on. Domesticated dogs have no other option but to learn to tolerate one another.
What are we doing to reinforce dog aggression?
We reward the underdog. Offer him toys and treats to level the playing field. By making him feel good, we communicate it’s OK to tuck in your tail and defer to your pet parent. We humans will take care of the sticky situation. Imagine stepping in and solving all your child’s disagreements. What are you teaching them?
Rewarding could have a reverse effect. The underdog may challenge the dominant dog. Picture the pack dynamics. Imagine a household where everyone was the boss. How would it look?
Some punish the aggressor or the self-assured dog, instilling fear and making him react. You get the picture.
If the dogs don’t look like they’re about to have an all-out brawl, stay out of it. Monitor from the sidelines. Pay attention to body language.
Dogs communicate through body language and posture. A dog that cowers, licks its lips, or yawns is likely afraid. Appeasement gestures and positions are intended to reduce the threat they perceive. In other words, the dog that’ licks his lips' is saying, “Peace, man. I don’t want to fight you.”
Understanding body language is critical in helping you intervene at the right time and prevent conflicts.
What should I do when things get too spicy?
If the dogs fight, call one of them to come, sit, and stay, preferably the dominant dog.
After that, get all of the dogs under control.
Intervening in a dogfight is dangerous and could backfire. The aggressor could turn on you without your knowledge. Remember, the dogs are angry and not thinking clearly.
Prevention is best. Socialize your dog and teach him commands.
My dogs are still learning commands. While far from out of the water here, I always supervise playtime. I know everybody’s personality, which of the four play well together, who is difficult to manage in a group, and who requires the most individual time.
While the pack dynamics might look like they’ve shifted with Bourbon, the second in command, moving up to pack leader, take one of Max’s treats and watch how quickly the elderly guy springs into action.
Please comment on your experiences below the references and link to my earlier post.
What is your pack like? What has worked for you?
Reference:
Hilarie E. discusses the concept of 'littermate syndrome' in her article, which refers to the potential challenges and issues that can arise when getting two puppies from the same litter at once. American Kennel Club, 7 Dec. 2023, www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/littermate-syndrome/. Accessed 12 May 2024.
Horwitz, Debra DVM, and Gary L. DVM. "Dog Behavior Problems - Aggression - Sibling Rivalry - Treatment." VCA Animal Hospitals, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-behavior-problems-aggression-sibling-rivalry-treatment. AccessedI want you to know that 12 May 2024.
Read more about canine body language in my earlier post https://www.teachingmomtofetch.com/blog-2-1/is-your-dog-feeling-stressed-lj75ls