Why does Miko climb all over Koji?

[k9kreationz]

We noticed lately, that Miko seems to lie on top of Koji, or climb over him, etc.

Here are some examples. And if Koji tried it, Miko would snap at him (y'know, to let him know he doesn't like it).

Koji is in one of the dog beds. Miko decides he wants to lie in it, so he lies down in WITH Koji.
Koji is lying in the corner of the couch, Miko will go lie on top of him (sorta) since he can't be in the corner either.
Koji is lying up against a pillow on the bed. Miko will walk on top of him, to get above him, or will lie against/on him.

Is this a dominance thing? Do you think we're not giving Miko enough attention so he's being "mean" to Koji instead? Maybe Miko didn't like being left at home this weekend when we took Koji. But I would rather stay home in the a/c'd house than be out in the humid heat. lol.

Thoughts? Is there something I can to do to alleviate this? It seems like Koji doesn't care, but yet, I feel bad for him. I know the other day, Koji couldn't put his head down to go back to sleep, so he finally left the spot Miko wanted.

 

[Emmasmom]

Liam tries this with Emma. He likes to get inbetween Emma and I if I am petting her. I won't let him, making him wait. I feel Emma needs my time just as much as Liam. I notice the last week or so that if Liam tries to get where Emma is, she is getting vocal with him, grumbling away under her breath at him. She will get up and move though. Liam is very much a Mommy's boy, whereas Emma is more independent.

As to what to do, that is a difficult question. I try to share out the time between the two when possible.

 

[tofu pup]

It sounds like a simple pushy-dominance thing. I doubt that Miko is "punishing" anyone or "resenting" being left home while Koji was with you. And really, he isn't being "mean" - he's just being a boss dog. It's a dog thing.

Dogs don't "feel bad" about living with a more dominant dog (unless they think they ought to be in charge instead). If Koji were unhappy with the situation, he wouldn't back down or get out of the way or otherwise tolerate Miko (and then you'd have the potential for actual fights). It sounds like the two dogs have an arrangement that works fine for them.

Normal, healthy, socially-adjusted dogs (like yours!) don't "bully". They don't have the capacity to bully or be bullied - they sort themselves out into a little social hierarchy and go on with life. Again, where this can become problematic is when two evenly-matched (same age/sex) dogs both decide they should occupy the same niche, and neither backs down - but that simply isn't the case here (you'd know from the screaming and bloodletting if it were).

There's no reason to attempt to alleviate this, or feel bad in the least about it. You have one dog who's the boss-dog and one dog who's happy to follow - it's a recipe for peace and canine happiness.

 

[corbinam]

Lexi does those things to Bentley all the time. I have multiple pictures of them sleeping on each other, and it's always Lexi's doing. Bentley in the corner of the couch? Lexi goes and lays on top of him so SHE can be in the corner of the couch. I don't know if it's a dominance thing with her, just a desire to get what she wants, regardless if someone is already there or not. I think pushy or bossy is a better way to describe it. Bentley reacts much like Koji does...he tolerates it for a bit, and then usually gets up and goes to sit somewhere else.

The only time that I don't allow Lexi in Bentley's space is when they are eating or chewing on a toy or treat. Toys and treats are each dog's property until they are done, and then the other dog can come in and take if they want it.

 

[Silaria]

Edan and CJ are always pushing one another out of the way, laying on top of one another, climbing over each other, etc. Usually its ignored and the other gives way or gives way with a bit of a grumble. It doesn't usually get physical.

We just ignore it and let them sort it out. The only time we don't is if we are trying to do something with one dog (snuggling, training, etc.) and the other one tries to butt in. At that point we gently push the intruder away.

 

[Justicemom]

It sounds like a simple pushy-dominance thing. I doubt that Miko is "punishing" anyone or "resenting" being left home while Koji was with you. And really, he isn't being "mean" - he's just being a boss dog. It's a dog thing.

Dogs don't "feel bad" about living with a more dominant dog (unless they think they ought to be in charge instead). If Koji were unhappy with the situation, he wouldn't back down or get out of the way or otherwise tolerate Miko (and then you'd have the potential for actual fights). It sounds like the two dogs have an arrangement that works fine for them.

Normal, healthy, socially-adjusted dogs (like yours!) don't "bully". They don't have the capacity to bully or be bullied - they sort themselves out into a little social hierarchy and go on with life. Again, where this can become problematic is when two evenly-matched (same age/sex) dogs both decide they should occupy the same niche, and neither backs down - but that simply isn't the case here (you'd know from the screaming and bloodletting if it were).

There's no reason to attempt to alleviate this, or feel bad in the least about it. You have one dog who's the boss-dog and one dog who's happy to follow - it's a recipe for peace and canine happiness.

I totally agree with everything Megan said.

I had an issue with Diva when she was just turning 2 yrs. She was sure she shoud be top dog around here , she would do exactly the same things to Ember and Ember would get ugly face but move on and out of Diva's way. Now Ember doesn't even bother with displays with Diva, she just either puts up with it or moves. For Diva, it was all about the resources ie the best resting place, the chew toys, etc not just because. Diva tried the same thing with Justice and he told her off once(lots of noise and Diva rolled on her back for him). She doesn't mess with Justice any more. Justice really doesn't care to throw his weight around here but if he wants something a look or moving into the other dogs space usually gets it.

 

[k9kreationz]

I gotta admit. When I got Koji, I did everything I could to make sure Miko was the alpha dog (if you will). Miko was and is very passive with me (and humans in general), so I was worried he'd get "pushed around" and I couldn't let that happen. Not after he was the only dog for 9 years. So, I was happy when Koji was good with being subordinate.

Never thought it'd come down to Miko walking over him, lying on him, etc. It doesn't help that hubby sends me photos of them and he puts in the subject line, "Why???" LMAO!!!!

Okay, I won't interfere or stop it. You're right, if Koji gets fed up, he'll let him know. I know Miko puts up with Koji sometimes and other times, not so much. Guess Miko really is the dominate one of the two. Which as many of you stated, is a good thing. They have their hierarchy and it works for them.

Besides, it is cute when they're shoved in one bed together. LOL. And I always try to give Miko a chance to snag his spot, sometimes, he just doesn't do it.

Now, the stranger thing is that Koji has been sleeping ON my pillow, feet around my head, back up against the headboard. What is THAT all about. I must be out cold since I don't feel him get up into that position, but I do turn and smack into his feet. LOL. It's sooo weird.