Trouble with respecting the whole pack.

[KelseyRose]

Finally entering into week 2 of life with Josephine, a tiny 11-12 week old puppy, and I've began to notice how each member of the family is responded to by Jo-jo. At the top of the pack is me and my mother. We're the primary care-givers so she tends to show submissive behavior around us, like rolling over on her tummy during sleeping time, licking faces and fingers, and bringing toys over she wants us to have. Next on the totem pole is my 2nd eldest sister and my father. Both get the licking and while she will play with them she's less concerned about pleasing them and more focused on the toys. Jo-jo growled at my father once and was quickly was put into a submissive pose and since then has not growled at my father since. Sadly next inline is my dog Hendra. Jo-jo sees her as a playmate and will nip, bark and growl at her during play. Never viciously of course, all in good fun. The reason why I said 'sadly Hendra' is because we have one more member of the pack...my eldest sister Amy.

Little Jo-jo see's Amy as someone below her on the totem pole. She growls and nips at her, pulling her lips back and baring her teeth. When Amy tries to play with the puppy she's completely ignored. Its the oddest thing really, I don't know what happened between them, but Josephine wants nothing to do with Amy. We've tried to have Amy put Jo-jo on her back until she submits, but it doesn't work. Even after Amy sneaking her some treats the puppy refuses to lick her, play with her, anything positive. How can I fix this? I want my oldest sister to bond with the dog before she leaves for college. It's really depressing her. Thanks for the help.

[QuickSilver]

Welcome to YT!

I'm not sure that your dog considers your sister below her in rank. She may simply be afraid of your sister, for some reason only known to her.

If she already had a good relationship with your father, she may have forgiven him for the alpha roll, but if she already didn't like your sister, and your sister is alpha rolling her... well, would that make YOU like someone more?

I would let your sister take over some of the caregiving - let her be the feeder, dogs usually decide they LOVE the feeder! Try lower pressure techniques. Your sister can lie on the floor and toss treats to Jo. This may take some persistence.

Also, you can practice gentle corrections. Have your dog sit on your lap, and your sister can back into you (back side is less threatening), and then sit next to you. If Jo growls, say NO and put her on the floor for ~20 seconds. Then start again until your sister can sit by her and pet her. PRAISE Jo and treat her for acting civil to your sister.

Good luck! Please let us know if this helps, or doesn't.