#1 #2 & #3
 

Okay, I was reading on another thread from Piccolo's mom and a reply that AlaskaYorkie gave, about being #1 and #2 and #3...I started to ask on her thread but didn't want to highjack it..hope AlaskaYorkie finds his way over here:D
This isn't a big problem here in my house, not really a problem at all, (I don't think). Cooper and Carley get along fantastically most of the time. Never have to break up any fights or anything of that nature...except for last night. I had (stupidly) bought only one everlasting treat ball, and they have been sharing it pretty peacefully, except for last night when an all-out fight broke out (I thought there would be blood, thankfully there was not) I did separate them, it was VERY vicious, and I took away the treat ball. Everything is now hunky-dory again and we are awaiting shipment of our 2nd Everlasting Treat Ball, before the 1st one will be returned. So anyhow, this got me thinking and the earlier post mentioned got me thinking...how do I know who is #2 and who is #3? Carley is more laid back than Cooper, yet she is also more jealous. She will physically try to push him away from getting attention, she will lower her head and push him away and make growly sounds (it is actually very funny, but we don't let her get away with it) I have also noticed lately when they go downstairs to go outside, she will come back up first and then stand there, like she is preventing him from coming up. I have to say her name before she will stop doing it and let him come up. But, on the other hand, if she is chewing on something, say a Flossie, he will come and take it from her and she doesn't go after him. She will wait until he is distracted and then get it back. Like I said, they don't generally fight at all and play wonderfully well together, I was just wondering for my own self...how do you figure out who is #2 and who is #3 and is there always a distinction...might they both be #2's? Any ideas on this topic anyone??

I am so glad you started this thread because I am very interested in establishing #2 and #3 myself and want Piccolo to be #2

no one has any thoughts on this???:confused:

I hope this helps...it should apply to any "two dog pack"
 

This is from The Sunday Patriot News, December 31, 2006, Pet Lovers Forum:

PET LOVERS FORUM

<H1 class=red>Dogs need a pack order

</H1>

Sunday, December 31, 2006



Dear Karen: I'm hoping you can help me with an issue we have with our two female dogs, Casey and Pepper. Casey is a 4-year-old schnoodle; Pepper is a 2-year-old Lhasa poo.
Lately they have been getting into knock-down drag-out fights over a toy or food. I had to pull them apart this morning, because they were on the verge of hurting themselves. Some days one seems in charge, then the other -- which, we don't know. But we know the difference with play fighting -- there is a distinctive difference in tone and other viewings now. Would appreciate any insight on how to deal with this, because I care about my girls and don't want them to get hurt. Donna M. -- Harrisburg


Dear Donna: There's nothing scarier than a catfight between two female dogs! By virtue of gender and size you have a combustible combination there, and both dogs are vying for alpha status. Two adult females of similar size are more likely to fight than other doggie duos. Until the pack order is determined, battles can be downright fierce. You are wise to take action now -- before the clash intensifies.
The situation is manageable if you take precautions. Separating them for feeding should be your first order of business. Food, treats, edible chew toys -- anything consumable could ignite a ferocious fight.
Why? The last thing alpha wannabes share is FOOD. The top dog controls the goodies (once dispensed by the human pack leader) -- the true test of which dog will dominate.
For now, feeding separately in crates will keep the peace during meal time. Be sure to pick up any half-eaten chewies or toys you find lying around. Resist the temptation to treat the girls as equals, which only fuels the fire in a two-dog pack.
While important to break up fights that may cause injury, try not to interfere when they engage in more peaceful negotiations, such as play fighting. Once you see a boss emerging, defer to that dog to help establish the hierarchy. That simply means putting her first for feeding, petting, treats and other privileges. Remember, dogs instinctively need a pack order -- a survival tool of their wolf ancestors. Once established, even the submissive of the two will be more comfortable. Best of luck to you!

the dogs determine who is next in line after you. their playing and fighting is what determines it. You can't decide for them really.

Here's another link:

http://www.animalhealthchannel.com/newpet/index.shtml

I've had two dogs (currently 3 and a cat) in my home for over 20 years, and one thing I'm fairly certain of is that the above poster is correct. The dogs establish the order (after you) and it may even change throughout their lives.

Good luck to you all and I hope some of this helps!!!

Thanks for the links!! Yes, I agree also that the dogs choose their order. I just see no clear cut order in our home. It doesn't really matter because as I said they get along beautifully except for the one incident, which was my fault anyhow. I just find this pack order thing very interesting. We have had Cooper one year and Carley since September, maybe it takes a while for the order to work out, but more probably THEY have it worked out and that is all that is important:) Or, hey maybe it is the same as me and my husband's relationship, we both agree we are equal partners..but underneath we both know who Really is in charge ;) :D
Thanks for your input!!

I have one who "needs" to greet me first & also be first to sit on my lap, once that happens everyone can sit on my lap. :aimeeyork
I have one who "needs" to get her treat first or else she takes over everyone else's. If she does get it first, the others are "allowed" to have one. :aimeeyork
I have one who "needs" to be boss over the toys and that means boss. If it's a toy it is her's. If it's a toy in use it is her's. If it's a toy not being used, it's not her's until it is picked up. If it is being played with by someone else, she waits in a crouched position until no one is the wiser, then it is her's. :aimeeyork

Everyone seems to know who is boss when, does that mean I have 3 in line after me? Maybe I am in line after them :confused: ?? I noticed this a while ago but no one fights cause they all respect each others "needs" Maybe this is because they are younger, or because they are all different sizes, Once in a while Chloe (the oldest) snarls a sentence to one of the others, I figure this is her "argument" between sisters. The snarly talk to each other when one takes from the other as well, animal communication? Sibling rivalery? They seem to argue their own differences out without my help, I was thinking it would always be this way. I sure hope so but will print that article just in case!:eek: