Alpha dog questions.....
 

Jo was an only fid until we got Riley a few weeks ago, they're both males, Jo is 10 months and neutered...Riley is just over 4 months and isn't neutered yet. The food dishes, supplies and probably 95% of the toys were here for Jo when we got Riley. At first I would tell Jo not to hurt the baby and I never saw any aggressive tendancies but he was an only fid til now and he is still very docile. I guess I expected Jo to want control of things since he was here first and he's older but it's the opposite...he lets Riley eat first, play with the toys he wants and if Jo has a toy Riley will just walk up and take it from him and it's fine with Jo. Now, Jo might go get one he really doesn't want and let Riley see it so he'll drop the one he does want but there's never any arguing over things...generally Jo just steps back and lets Riley go first. Jo has a few things he has always done that I haven't changed...his spot/pillow on the back of the couch, sleeping on the blanket in bed with me while Riley is in his crate...etc...so he wasn't 'put out' about things. Are Jo's actions normal? Is it because he's neutered? Does this mean Riley is the alpha male or maybe Jo just doesn't like confrontation? Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, they're both very sweet boys and there's never any fighting but I guess I'm surprised that Jo isn't taking a more dominant role since he was here first.

I had Bentley first and then we brought home Bitsy and he did the same thing. Now we have two boys pups and he is gentle and submissive to them as well. I think it's a sweet quality:) He could have been (and Bentley too) very jealous when you brought in the new baby, but you made him feel secure and I'm sure that played a part in his adjusting. :)

Thanks Michelle...I've always loved Jo's sweet personality but I was afraid I would ruin him if I brought home another baby...maybe I accidentally did something right this time! :)

We've always loved Bentley's sweet personality too :) Sounds to me like you did everything right :thumbup: