Question
Cooper and Guy
Hi, thanks so much for reading my question! My husband and I have had our golden doodle Lucy for 2 years (wonderful dog!) and last year rescued an old, sick toy poodle from the pound. She had a great last 10 months with us and passed in January. In March, we adopted two puppies. They were rescued from the same puppy mill and are the same color and size so we think they are brothers (pic attached). The one on the left is Cooper, now about 8-9 lbs, and on the right Guy, now about 6-7 lbs. From the start Cooper was a 'people-dog', excited to meet new people and play all over you, but a little more scared of new situations like exploring the front yard. Cooper was already neutered. Guy was more shy of people, but a trooper in meeting other dogs or new situations. He is not yet neutered (will be later this month, we were just waiting for his 2nd testicle to drop). Ever since we got them, they have stayed in the same (large) kennel and play with each other and sleep cuddled up with each other. Initially, it always seemed like Cooper was higher in rank between the two of them - he usually got more of the treats and the better sleeping position. Over the last two weeks, Cooper has changed - he often winces when Guy tries to play with him (Guy is smaller and really doesn't play rough so i don't think it can be hurting him) and when I take them both into the yard, Cooper hides under chairs from Guy. Before two weeks ago, they regularily chased each other around the yard and wrestled with each other all the time. I have looked him over and touched all the bones in his body (and though not a vet I am a physician) so I really don't think he is hurt or injured.
I should briefly comment on the puppies' relationship with Lucy, our bigger dog. She loves them but weighs 50lbs and tends to play energetically. From early on all three dogs have always been friendly (tail wagging) with each other, but Lucy and Cooper used to play and wrestle and that could get kind of rough. We were always right there to supervise and would put a halt to it if it got too bad or if Cooper was trying to run away. Usually, however, (before about 2 weeks ago) he was usually the instigator and kept coming back for more. Little Guy would more play with Lucy's tail while she was distracted with Cooper, and even recently, now that Guy is coming out of his shell and wants to play with her more, she mostly ignores him (even when he is jumping right in her face). Lucy does still want to play with Cooper but now that he mostly runs away and acts scared, we haven't let her, and they are usually separated (or one of them in a kennel). I can't figure out if Cooper is just facing a loss of alpha position and it's affecting his confidence or what is going on, and how I should respond to it. He still really loves people and likes to be held but seems a little more shy with us too, and not as exuberant as he used to be. Sorry for the long message! I hope you can give some advice! Sarah
AnswerHi Sarah;
When you get a group of dogs together, they form their own "Pack", thus a "pecking order" starts!
The best thing to do is to take him out to a "Socialization" class without the others to get him in his own environment without the interaction of the others...this will give him the time out with Mom as well, to make him feel special!
Then, as he matures, he will start to develop on his own.
We have seen this many times with two males, no matter what you do, there will always be the Dominant one!
So, it is imperative, you give them all their individual time, and then, as you have been doing give them their group time supervised for now!
Best regards, enjoy them!
Sounds fun,
Melissa
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