I know exactly what you're going through!
When we brought Abigail home (two years ago, Dec 1st), my Mozart (maltese/shih-tzu/silky mix) was 11 y/o. We so worried about how he would 'take' to Abigail, or if we would be protecting her all the time! He weighs about 25lbs, and has been the only furchild in this house his entire life! Well, she was 8wks and 2.2lbs of determination! She would pounce on him and poke him in the face w/her little front paws. We watched them closely, as we were sure Mo wasn't going to put up with this for very long! He would hide out in the bedroom just to find peace. I kept waiting for him to discipline her; but, guess what...? Two years later, Abigail is definitely the alpha female here. Unless Bailey is really getting hurt, you just have to let them work things out. It's a pack thing, and nothing we do to interfere is going to change the order they set up. We've even been accused of fussing at Mo for (at some point) getting too rough with her, and that being the reason he won't now. But, that is NOT the case! lol We've never had to scold him because of her...because he just will NOT do anything remotely rough to her! At two years, she still tries to goad him into play; but, I know now that much of her behaviors toward him are sheer dominance. If she's in my lap, she does not want him even walking into the room. She will growl, jump down, and *bump* him with her bum. He'll just stand there until she's done, and then mozey on through. Matters not if I scold her. And, he is the sweeeeeetest guy ever. I wish he would take her in hand! She needs her comeuppance!
Anyway, whatever status they are establishing, Bailey will have to find his own spot. |