My ageing GSD

Question
Hi Dawn

I would say I started noticing a change in the older ones behaviour after having the younger one for a couple of months, although it is far more prominent now.  

The younger one is going to weekly obedience training now as he was quite problematic a few months ago and he has come on leaps and bounds. I am told the older one did have some training when he was younger, but certainly since I've had him he hasn't been trained.  

Both dogs have been castrated.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards
Ruth

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Answer -
Hi Ruth,  I have a couple of questions to ask you before I can respond to your question.  How long ago in comparison to when you aquired the younger GSD did you notice the older one's behavior? Are either one of them obedience trained or gone through any training? Also, are either one of the dogs spayed/neutered.  Once I get those answers, I can explain whats going on in the behavior.  I already have a hypothesis of what is going on, but I like all the facts first so that I don't give you the wrong answer.

Answer
Hi Ruth,  OK here is a couple of situations that I believe are causing your problem.  In the wild, canines at approx. a year of age will challenge the leader of the pack for dominance.  Normally the outcome is either the leader is driven out, wins the fight and puts the younger one in his place or is killed.  The same scenario happens in domestic dogs but rarely in the extreme.  Most the time, the older dog will put the youngster in his place, and everything goes fine, the older one turns to the owner because he sees the owner as the real pack leader and figures he is safe with the owner or he gives in to the younger one and because the Omega dog instead of the Alpha dog.  That is probably why you have seen things get rougher between the two in playing.  In domestic dogs, some will actually growl or get in a small spat, but in other scenarios, the youngster just gets more bold and stronger playing against the older dog.  Again trying to show his status or wanting the status.  So, one thing I believe is happening is that the older shepherd knows he is too old to take on the youngster, whether in play or not, so he is getting insecure and looking for you to protect him.  He definitely needs his own space.  Also, when you have two dogs, and one is going through training, the other dog does see the one getting more attention (in his eyes) and will want his share of attention from the owner (again, in his eyes & his way).  With my training, I normally recommend that the owner take the other dog out separately and give him special attention everyday away from the younger dog so that he does not feel left out.  
I believe the best thing for you to do is setup a separate place for the older dog to have as his own (my 14 yr Italian Greyhound has his own crate in the bathroom that he can go to to get away from the animals and have his own space).  If you can setup an area for him, like a bathroom, laundry room or something like that for him to eat in, have a crate in etc. he might get more secure in it and realize that he can have peace there away from the youngester.  This isn't going to happen immediately, but if you go slow (like keep him in there when you go to the store, or short periods of time), reward him with treats when he stays alone & definitely feed him in there, I think over time you will see him not be so clingy to you.  Again, you have to remember, this isn't going to be fixed fast.  His brain is telling him that this younger one wants to drive him out, and you have to override those signals and reassure him that you will not let him get driven out.  It isn't an easy task, but it can be accomplished over time.  If you need more help, don't hesitate to contact me here or on my IM's:
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