My two are Brother/Sister, but, two years apart. I don't know if they "realize" that, or, that when I got Becca, Sneakers thought she was his puppy (and may still) after two years.
Anyway, it's just unbelievable how polite these two are !
I have food available 24/7 and they eat at about 4am and 4pm, plus a few little snacks along the way.
One will take a piece, move aside, chew while the other steps up and takes a bite for it's self. It's just back and forth, each stepping back and letting the other have access.
Then, when I deal out two Bully Sticks or a "lasting" treat, after a while, Sneakers will step away from it, and Becca will drop hers, and go start chewing on his, while Sneakers takes hers. I think He knows she can't bite as hard as he can, and he sorta softens the Bully up for her....
JUST AMAZING !
Then on the "stashing"...
I find a treat now and then sorta out of place (I have Throw Rugs for them to eat bones and treats on) and they usually comply pretty well in leaving treats and bones on the Rugs. They seem unconcerned that they are available for the other when left there. I have found a treat or two stashed, but, it appeared that it had been there a long time, and I'm unsure which one put it there.
I have a theory about this "politeness"
( however I have been accused of "over-thinking" things at times
)
I permit/encourage a very "Pack" orientated situation with my Dogs.
That which I sorta "stand back' from (a bit hard to explain)
I think of myself as Pack Leader, but, encourage Sneakers to be the Pack Alpha.
Sneakers was the first Dog and is biggest.
He gets greeted, petted and fed (when handing out treats)...First.
Then Becca gets it too, but only after Sneakers is "honored" by his position. This is just my way of "reinforcing" the Pack mentality with them.
Now, on their own...
After "alarming" to an intrusion onto the property, Sneakers takes the lead in them charging out to confront.
When we go out "hunting" along the Bayou, Sneakers is in the Point Position, and Becca follows him, and I follow them.
(they're on retractable leash's, so, I can exercise control of them when necessary...though infrequently needed)
This "Pecking Order" is absolute...save for one issue.
It didn't take Becca over two minutes after She arrived, to understand that this was Her home/territory! She is just as aggressive with confrontation/protection of it as is Sneakers, pounces on Frogs and Snakes when they find them, follows Sneakers when he jumps in the Bayou after something... BUT
When it comes to Toys... ALL of them are Hers !
Sneakers is ok with this, and, I mind my own business. That is the only time/issue where any "possession" is evident, and is the first sign to her "other side".
It may appear that Becca is some laid back subordinate, but that is not the case. She IS a Warrior !
She is brave, bold, confident, persistent, and has a temper which I have never seen exceeded in any animal I've ever owned. She willingly puts herself between Me and whatever (perceived) threat we encounter, and no physical size offender, is beyond her wrath.
Sorry to carry on like this but, I think I'm the luckiest human in this world having two animals like I have.
