What does this mean??

[linz06]

I have been taking Layla to her new sitter's house to get acquainted with the house and the other dogs before I start leaving her there during work starting next week I'm sad to leave her but I know it's a great place and she'll get more attention and exercise every day!

Anyways, the other 3 dogs are all chihuahuas and half Layla's size. The older male chihuahua is a little apprehensive. He keeps his distance from Layla, and would bark at her from at least 5 feet away, and then if Layla took a step towards him, or even looked at him, he would scurry away and hide!

Last night he got a little more brave. He came within about 6 inches of her face and they looked at each other. He went around behind her and sniffed and licked her back foot! And then....

He started dancing in front of her. He was moonwalking. LOL! But really, he was doing the thing some dogs do after they pee or poop and they kick their legs backwards like they're covering it. But he was going back and forth in front of her on the carpet, thrusting his legs backwards like he was kicking up dirt. He did it for a good 5 minutes. He would stop if he noticed us looking at him. Layla ran back to me and he did it again, except this time halfway through he turned his butt to her face and acted like he was kicking the dirt on her! She ran the other way. I don't think she knew what was going on either!

I have never seen this happen before. The sitter thought he was doing his "sexy dance" for her, but I have never seen dogs do anything like that to each other before. Any ideas??

[BonBon]

Murphy does that when he's ready to play with his sister, Chelsea. He does his bullfight moves then turns and puts his butt right in Chelsea's face. Sometimes his front paws will bounce off the ground and he'll spin in a circle, then he goes back into his bullfight stance. He backs up a few steps, creeps forward a few steps - always kicking those hind legs like a big bad bull. It is so CUTE!! I always stop what I'm doing to watch whenever he does this.

[linz06]

Thanks!! So maybe he's accepting her and just wanted to play. Layla didn't know what the heck was going on lol! It's like forcing an only child to go play with other children after years of playing alone! Anyways, it must have tired him out because he went to sleep right after lol!

[BonBon]

For some reason Murphy only does this when he plays with Chelsea and not with the other pups. I think it's because she's the alpha of the pack. He's kind of like her second in command - he's got the alpha personality over all the others except her.

I re-read your first post and there is a difference. When Murphy turns and gives Chelsea his butt, he doesn't kick his legs. He just shoves his bottom towards her and watches her over his shoulder. He only kicks his legs when he's facing her - like he's daring her or something.

Sometimes I wish they could talk.

[linz06]

Layla seemed to become the alpha of this group, which was so surprising to me because she has always been so submissive around any other dogs. She has always immediately flipped to her back when another dog comes up to her. But she came to this house, walked around like she owned it, and never once showed herself to be submissive at all. One of the younger playful pups was trying to play with her, and she nipped Layla's legs. First it was her back legs and Layla didn't feel a thing, but when she nipped at her front legs, Layla barked and gave her a little nip back, and for the next couple of hours we were there, that dog did not nip at her again!

Layla is definitely the oldest of the dogs, and it's surprising that even with her handicap they would consider her the strongest alpha in the pack.

I wonder if the male dog is trying to show her that he was the boss of the house?

[susan lynn]

It sounds like how my boys act around Sassy, they are both neutered and she is spayed. I think they weren't her to know they are still available and also trying to prove to her they are in control, of course she terrorizes both of them He probably is wanting her to play.

[Ringo1]

Sounds like a play invitation to me! Layla is ruling the roost!

As it should be, of course.

[Ahis_Mama]

I'm picturing all of this in my head and it's just too cute. She seems like she is the Queen there.

[linz06]

Originally Posted by Ahis_Mama

I'm picturing all of this in my head and it's just too cute. She seems like she is the Queen there.

Oh she is! She's just a completely different dog and it's so funny to see! Instead of my shy scared little girl, she is confident and in charge. I wonder how she'll be when I'm not there with her!

[Ahis_Mama]

Doesn't it make you feel good that she's showing you that she can take care of herself? She wants you to feel ok about leaving her behind. "See mommy...i'm a big girl!"

[Patti]

Pixie does that to Roxie when she wants to play and whenever she is real excited. It's pretty funny to watch. I am glad you found a great place to take her during the day.