hey those of you with more than one...got a question. Savannah is 6mths, and being snarfy lately. I think it is those pesky hormones kicking up. She is getting bite-y with Kaleigh, and I am not talking air bites or mouthing, this is snapping at her. Kaleigh is laid back, but Savannah will try to provoke her for no apparent reason lately. Kaleigh can be just laying peacefully and Savannah will go over and snap at her, which isn't something she ever did before. Is it just girls being girls, trying to establish a pecking order? I have never had two dogs, but up until now they haven't had what I would classify as tiffs, but it is Savannah being mean for no reason, and is the initiator. She will be spayed in a week, I am wondering if that will change her. They share toys, they normally play well, they eat out of each other's dishes, they usually nap rear to rear or curled up touching each other, never any issues. Savannah just decides ok, time to go irritate Kaleigh snap, and it isn't playful, it has sting. I have given a firm "no" command, when I catch her doing it. any thots?
snarfy behavior
- Thread starter tesslynn
- Start date
trini
Forums Sage
Does Kaleigh seem frightened when Savannah does this?
My guess is that Savannah is setting herself up as the top dog and if Kaleigh is not afraid or getting hurt I would be tempted to watch closely so you can step in if it escalates, but if possible let them work it out between themselves. However, if Kaleigh is afraid or it gets to the point where you are concerned she may get hurt...then as the pack leader you need to protect Kaleigh and let Savannah know that the behavior will not be tolerated.
Also, if this behavior came on suddenly with no apparent reason you might check to be sure there is no physical problem. Since she is going to be spayed next week your vet will be doing standard pre-surgical blood work and can tell you if he/she sees anything of concern.
Trini
My guess is that Savannah is setting herself up as the top dog and if Kaleigh is not afraid or getting hurt I would be tempted to watch closely so you can step in if it escalates, but if possible let them work it out between themselves. However, if Kaleigh is afraid or it gets to the point where you are concerned she may get hurt...then as the pack leader you need to protect Kaleigh and let Savannah know that the behavior will not be tolerated.
Also, if this behavior came on suddenly with no apparent reason you might check to be sure there is no physical problem. Since she is going to be spayed next week your vet will be doing standard pre-surgical blood work and can tell you if he/she sees anything of concern.
Trini
Kaleigh is pretty laid back and mellow, she has gotten up and moved away from Savannah, so more of an ignoring deal than showing signs of fear. Kaleigh isn't shy or nervous just quiet and sweet in nature, tolerant and patient. Savannah has attitude, no doubt, she has an "I won't be ignored" personality. It is just not been the norm between them, but then Savannah has been smaller, and now is getting bigger so I wonder if that is it, time to challenge because she is growing. Ugh...sibling rivalry??? They get lots of attention one on one and jointly. They KNOW I am pack leader, ha. When they act up, I do reign them in, not harshly though, just firm, with proper authority, lovingly, ya know. I just never had two at once, so this is new territory for me, and as I have posted, Savannah is a lil monster, clever, assertive. So different from my previous 2 and WAY different than Kaleigh. am anxious to see what happens after the spay, Kaleigh was fiesty before, she seemed to settle way down afterwards in a good way, she turned one on valentines so she turned out so to speak. I am hoping same for Savannah.
. I so appreciate the input!!!!!
Silaria
Forums Sage
I had two girls (both non-Shelties). One was rather submissive and the other one a more dominant personality. We only had a few squabbles between them because, for the most part, our Finnish Spitz was willing to back off; it was just her personality.
The best advice I can offer is let them sort it out. Watch them, certainly. Step in if things get too rough. But allow them to sort thing out between them. If you try to force a "pecking order" (for lack of a better way to describe it) you may just end up with more problems.
The best advice I can offer is let them sort it out. Watch them, certainly. Step in if things get too rough. But allow them to sort thing out between them. If you try to force a "pecking order" (for lack of a better way to describe it) you may just end up with more problems.