
I usually find that there is a period of adjustment within the family pack when a bitch has had a litter. the bitch who has been on maternal duties feels she is entitled to higher staus, which of course the others may not agree with, and it can take a littel while for things to setle down again into the normla status quo.
It was after her second litter that my middle bitch made her bid, and succeeded in deposing her Grandmother for top canine. it was a bloodless coup, and I insistyed on no bullying from the upstart, and the oldie was happy to step aside.
You do have to be very aware of the undertones when you are breeding from them.
At present my second youngest (new top girls daughter) has a litter and her mother grumbles at her, as if sensing that she neds to maintain her place from the up and coming daughter. Fortunately daughter is very independant and wilful, but not actually interested in canine government only doing as she pleases. She will need taking down a peg or two once the pups go as regards paying attention to the true boss, me :D