By Cariad
Date 26.03.04 11:57 UTC
I have a large 6 year old deaf boxer, we've had since he was a pup, attended classes and very challenging till he was 2 years but has turned into a gentle giant. 3 years ago we introduced a rescue toy dog,male (now aged 6 yrs) who feels he should be top dog who was never socialised,walked etc We've worked hard with him and although he beleives he is top dog I'm not so sure. But the 2 dogs have a good relationship and I recently felt we had room in our life for another toy female dog.
We brought her into the family 3 weeks ago and the 2 males were both besotted. She is a happy dog and although the same breed as the male totally opposite, he can be a real Victor Mildrew!
The 2 toys paired up and were madly in love for 10 days until last w/end when our little male
started snapping at her occasionally, normally over a chew or if she was bouncing around him.
I've also noticed that with me he seems quiet and I'm wondering if I've done the right thing. He is still treated as top dog but he is checking constantly if I'm making a fuss of her. I make a fuss of her quietly or when he's sleeping in another room. Is this right?
My 5 year old female lived in outdoor kennels and is not toilet trained, lead trained and sometimes when we call her name she will cower and skulk along the settee. The other thing is that our female has finally found her bark and will bark at both males and I'm not sure if she's trying to be top dog. My large boxer is keeping out of it all. The two toys have had a couple of tussle and spats this week always over chews, I have been told to leave them to sort it out themselves. They are not hurting each other.I'm afraid I have a number of questions here but my main concern is my little male, at times it appears he is sulking and he moves his ears backwards and down yet he still wags his tail when they are out in the garden together. Any ideas to help this relationship along. I'm sure in the long run it will be fine and I have plenty of patience but tips greatly received.