A Little Confused On Dominence

[saram]

OK so after reading from a couple of different sources and getting other peoples opinion I have got myself very confused regarding dominence with multiple dogs.

Do we want to encourage a dominent dog or is it possible to keep them all equal? Some places have encouraged keeping the set pack order - feeding dominent dog first etc while others say keep it equal and feed together or in random order.

We were originally trying to stick to the pack order (taking one dog out to train first, eat first etc) but now I'm confused that we aren't doing the right thing. Also as of last night, the dog we thought was in charge has starting deferring to the other and being submissive?

What is the general concensus

[Erny]

So long as YOU are recognised as the leader by each one and all of your dogs, I would suggest you not worry about the dogs' own order that they've sorted for themselves.

The only time I suggest to clients that they observe which of their dogs is the "top dog" and be strategic in what they do and how they do it is when there are pre-existing issues. Once whatever issue/s are sorted though, i like the aim to be that the human 'leader' can do what they want to whoever they want in whatever order. I admit I tend to be conscientious about randomising this.

Hierarchy can change. Eg. As one dog becomes older and the youngest come into 'prime'. But also, what WE think of as a dog signaling it is or isn't the "top dog" to another, isn't necessarily the case. Eg. Top Dog might well submit to another who wants the ball. Yet in other aspects it might well demonstrate its hierarchy to the other dog. Yes, it can be confusing, which is why it is best (as I said, in the absence of pre-existing aggression issues) to simply concentrate on YOU being the leader to both and all of your dogs and not worry about their order.

Edited January 21, 2009 by Erny

[saram]

Thank you - much appreciated, exactly what I wanted to hear!