Dominant Dog Vs Submissive Dog

[jaybeece]

This is probably dog behaviour 101 stuff but....

I have 2 dogs here and one is clearly showing signs of being the more dominant dog. They've been living together for about a month and had non serious 2 tiffs in the first couple of weeks over playing styles, but since then nothing so everything's been very peaceful.

But my boy gently pushes the new girl out of the way sometimes. If it's because she's receiving attention from me I don't acknowledge him at all, but I've been noticing him doing it over sleeping spots in the house too, he just walks up and, barely touching her, just pushes her out of the way. She puts up no resistance at all, just moves straight away. If she's carrying a toy he wants, he gently takes it out of her mouth and they both happily carry on as if nothing's happened. He doesn't take things off her or move her along all the time, in fact it's only happened a handful of times so I doubt he's just bossing her around for the sake of it.

When they play there is no excessive pushing around, they're as equal as they can be considering their size differences. The girl will roll over in play, but I've never seen her roll over in submission. He has a fairly dominant stance (ears & tail up, staring), but it could also be arousal and he's adjusted his playing so he doesn't overwhelm her and never appears to be threatening.

So is this something I should worry about at all or is it normal? They both seem really at ease with their roles and since they're adults (4 and 3 or 4 years) can I assume there won't be a whole lot of unrest between them now they're pretty settled?

Thanks

[TangerineDream]

sounds like they've worked their hierarchy out for the moment - he's No 1 and she's No 2 - atm.....things may change again later, but if all is peaceful I wouldn't worry about it.

[persephone]

is it normal

I would say yes,

It's good to see that you are letting the DOGS decide their place in the pack- and not doing what you think would be correct :D

[Erny]

I agree with letting dogs 'sort it' where appropriate.

Having said that, I don't allow any one of two or more dogs decide who I will pat/pay attention to and who I won't.

[jaybeece]

Thanks for the reassurance I figured everything was ok since they're both happy, but haven't had a lot of experience managing 2 dogs so wanted to be sure.

Erny, absolutely agree with you. I treat them both as equals and they are both expected to mind their manners at all times. I don't let either of them steal the other's food and barging in when one is getting attention is not on. They're also given equal couch/bred priviliges. I'm happy that they're comfortable with their roles, but I'm not giving any special treatment.