Who is top dog here?
When the two boys are alone, it is pretty clear that Charlie, the older male is more dominant—not that Toby won't challenge him and try to stick his nose in first, from time to time. But when the three of them are together it gets a little harder to figure out. Can you tell? Here is the three of them. "We're tired of playing outside. Let us in." Notice who is front and center at the door. 
So once inside Charlie starts sucking up to Kaylee. Maybe she is boss. 
Oops. Kaylee and Charlie again, but she doesn't look too dominant now. 
Now Toby and Kaylee. Toby definitely looking submissive here. 
Sucking up time all done, Charlie has a nap while Toby and Kaylee keep a look out for squirrels from the comfort of the air conditioned house. 
So what do you think? Is there a pack dynamic going on here? Who's top dog at my house? |
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| it should be you. |
| ^^^^^^^ ditto
I was hoping it is you and they can all just play and scrap.  |
I am the pack eader in my house - for the fur and skin kids. Hubby too! 
The secondary pack leader seems to be dynamic, changing with the situation. Bailey has to be first out the door, into the car and be in the lead on walks. Neither Bailey or Riley will run into the yard until Ben walks out, usually last. And though the girls tend to be first back in the house, they wait inside at the door for the old man to come in. Ben is brave one in unfamiliar situations. He has a much larger vocabulary than the girls and we can give him instructions, which he will then lead the girls to do. Riley is the first to get a bath, get combed out, go play, go sit for a cookie. She is starting to challenge Bailey at times, with her neck over Bailey's neck. Riley is also the one that keeps my son's dog under control when they visit. Zoey, our tortishell cat, claims the dog beds whenever she wants them. She runs into the dog's room first when I call out "Crate room" before we leave. And Zoey lays in wait for my son's dog to run by, so she can chase her throguh the house, sounding like an army of Demons. All of my dogs give Zoey wide berth. |
kerry wrote: it should be you.
Yes, I agree completely—I keep telling myself that. But they know I am woefully outnumbered when they are all together... and they know where I keep the cookies. |
rfloch wrote: kerry wrote: it should be you. Yes, I agree completely—I keep telling myself that. But they know I am woefully outnumbered when they are all together... and they know where I keep the cookies. two things I have learned having four very large, very driven dogs in my house: 1) Divide and conquer 2) always move the cookies |
| Move the cookies is excellent. (wonder if DH would remember where I moved them too) Also feed them in a different location, change the feed order, etc Anything you can do to keep them from trying to out think you.
I'd say the bitch is more active, while the boys are laid back, still every one is having a good time. A calm pack. Does the lab girl respect you? |
Quote: I'd say the bitch is more active, while the boys are laid back, still every one is having a good time. A calm pack. Does the lab girl respect you?
Pretty much. Although she will climb right up in your lap uninvited, which my two won't... usually. She has had no training basically. Toby is not exactly laid back. He tends to get anxious if he is ignored, by us and by the other dogs. Otherwise he is very social and usually fawningly submissive. |
kerry wrote: it should be you.
Ditto and it looks like you are there... |
rfloch wrote: But they know I am woefully outnumbered when they are all together... and they know where I keep the cookies. LOL
Hahahahahahahaha |
| I think it's just great your dogs seem to get along so well. Cute pics. |
| Nobody said you can't train the lab on your own. Sounds like she needs some manners and "Autie Sheepdoglady" may be just the person to do it.
How wonderful your guys have a play mate! |
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