Doggie Dynamics: With Lola and Hairy
Lola is the ultimate alpha female in our pack. I was a little worried integrating Hairy into the pack because she can be difficult with other dogs, though rarely with males. In Hairy's case she's become his surrogate mother. He took to her immediately and she quickly took on her role as mom and mentor. She's not above snapping a knot in his ass when he needs it, though.
We were out playing ball today and she DID NOT want him having the ball. At all. There were no verbal cues here for Hairy to stay away from the ball. Only Lola's body language. In the photo, it seems the message is clear. "Go for the ball at your own peril, little pup." Even though he's only 9 weeks old, he gets it. He kept his distance and used all the "cute tricks" he knows...whining, rolling on to his back, low crawling around the ball, throwing his head side to side, etc... Lola seemed to see this as a teachable moment. When it was clear Hairy wouldn't challenge her for the ball she walked away. He slowly went for the ball but watching her the entire time.
I'd be interested in hearing stories about your dogs and how they establish their pecking order in your house.
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