Sounds like dominance to me. Generally, when I get a new foster, I let the dogs work things out as long as it doesn't escalate to the point where someone might get hurt. A little growling, snapping, okay, but no biting. There's a lot of communicating dogs do that doesn't make sense to us. I don't think what Zhoie is doing is really out of line. She's just re-establishing her dominant status.
You have to admit, Zhoie is pretty sharp to realize she can get away with that with the puppies, but doesn't do it with the Westie, who might challenge her. There is the possibility that one of the puppies might challenge her someday, and I'd let them work that out on their own, unless they get too carried away.
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Kristan
Lizzy's mom |