dogs higher in the pecking order

[Aissa Wolfson]

To introduce myself, I have two dogs. I have a one year old pug, Levon, and an almost two year old dog, George. I got Levon one year ago as a puppy. We got George last fall from some friends who felt that he and their toddler got each other too wriled up.

Before I got George I read a lot about how it's okay with two dogs to treat them differently, and that it can even help with their behavior. With Levon and George, since they were both bred to be companion pets, I think a lot of that pack order instinct has been taken out of them, but we've done little things like fed Levon first when we first got them, and we don't even do that anymore..

Now I kind of feel bad- Levon is always with me or my husband! In our laps, sleeping at our feet, or under our feet. George is with us a lot of the time, but not always. He likes to sleep in his crate a lot or at the bottom of our stairs.. I get worried that he doesn't like us. He doesn't seem unhappy, and people who knew him with his previous owners think he's doing great and is taken better care of now. Our vet and vet techs love them both and think they're both great. Could it could be a difference in the breeds? Does anyone else with multiple dogs ever feel like this?

[Sharon Alcon]

Sometimes its just personality one is more affectionate than the other. One may be more of a loaner or one more of a people person. I don't think its a bad thing maybe he just likes doing his thing but likes knowing your around. I have one dog who loves to be in the house and just wants to be around you, even if its just to sit next to you. The other one has a more independant personality and likes to be alone. He doesn't really like to play with other dogs but loves to play with people (like catch). He'll even play by himself before another dog, we have 2 other dogs in our house and he'll lay on his back and toss his ball up in the air with his paws and let it drop in his mouth. I try to let him in the house and he walks around a bit and then stands at the door to go out. The funny thing is he was my first Dakota is 6, Max was next he is 4 and Bizkit just got here and is staying with us he is 3 yrs old. Dakota is the Alpha male and since he was first he gets fed first, he gets his morning cookine first, if were going walking he gets his leash put on first. I give those pleasures for seniority. Nobody fight over the attention dished out so I assume everyone is happy with the arrangements.

[Lesly Stevens]

I wouldn't worry about this because dogs don't think like we do! I would encourage you to spend one-on-one time with each dog, away from the other dog, at least 3-4 times/wk. to keep their bond with you stronger than the bond with each other. Just like with children, they benefit with time spent with you away from siblings.

As for pack order, don't worry about it, and don't try to figure out who is the so-called "alpha!" Treat the one who sits first, first - nothing difficult to remember! The fact is, you are the leader; the provider of all good things - food, affection, attention, play, toys, walks, and all things.

Sounds like you have two wonderful doggies!

Lesly, Maddy and Bo