Dogs are pack animals; pack behavior has been genetically handed down to our domesticated little pups. In the wild, a pack has one alpha male and one alpha female who lead the bunch and a distinct hierarchy for everyone else. A canine can move up or down the ladder, often by fighting the next dog up the line and winning.
In the home, things are slightly different.
I’ve noticed over the past three years plus with Lally and Moose that the hierarchy is slowly changing. At first, Lally was ultra-submissive; I used to see a lot of omega dog characteristics in her. Moose was more dominant in his behavior, taking toys and treats from Lally without a complaint from her. But over time, she became more confident and willing to stand up to Moose.
For example, Lally used to always surrender whatever toy (even her precious squeaky ball) she had that Moose wanted. No fighting, no growling; she would drop whatever she had. Eventually, she started trying to warn him off with a growl. She’d still give in and drop the ball, but she’d try to scare him away first. Now she’ll growl and bark if Moose comes too close!
Lally has also become very possessive of the bed — at least when I’m in it. If I get into bed and Lally jumps up first, she won’t let Moose come up. She growls at him and he finds somewhere else to sleep (like in the doorway, on the big pillowy dog bed, or in front of the fan).
Since Moose’s car accident, I see Lally standing up to Moose more and more. If Moose was higher on the ladder before, he isn’t now. It seems that Lally is moving on up and Moose is taking the bottom spot.
Lucky for me, I’m still at the top. As numero uno food provider and poop scooper, I’m the boss!