Help, my dog is feeling betrayed!

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 · February 2011

As some of you know, my black Lab, Dusty, is my pride and joy. We recently got a third dog, Jacoby, who has "claimed" me as his. Ever since Dusty realized that Jacoby was going to be staying with us, he's been rather depressed looking, and acts like I've betrayed him or something. I've tried making time for just me and Dusty, he's happy while we're together alone, but as soon as Jacoby comes back into the picture so to speak, Dusty gets all depressed again. So today I tried playing with both of them outside. They played for about ten minutes, then Dusty just stopped playing and walked off. So any ideas of how to make Dusty feel better??

KittKattize · February 2011

Have you been paying more attention to the new member of the household? Is he fed first or second? If they're both standing there, who do you pet first?

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 · February 2011

I pay attention to both of them equally. They are fed together And I always pet Dusty first

KittKattize · February 2011

It could be that he is feeling a little betrayed. You have to keep in mind, Dusty was there first. He should be pet first, fed first and maybe try spending just a little more time with him. He could just be slightly jealous of the new addition. Plus, he's above the new dog in rank. He should receive everything first.

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 · February 2011

Ok, thanks I've also noticed that Jacoby has been trying to take the Alpha position, and Dusty doesn't stand up for himself at all. Do you think if I do what you said above he'll start standing up for himself more?

KittKattize · February 2011

It could help assert him to Jacoby as alpha. Remember, dogs are pack animals and in a pack the alpha gets first choice of everything

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 · February 2011

Ok, thank you so much for the info. It kills me to see my boy this way, I mean he was never an overly active dog, but all he does is sleep

Alabama · February 2011

If your first dog starts "asserting" himself there may be fights between them. I've never been a believer in "alpha" dogs in the house. People are the boss and that's it. If your dog is depressed over the new dog, petting him when you think he's feeling bad only reinforces that if he acts that way he's going to get more attention leading him to continue acting that way. My advice would be to ignore the actions and if he walks away, call him back or change what game you're playing with both dogs. Maybe he's just getting bored with the game or doesn't like the way the new dog plays it. Try doing something neither dog has done before or teaching them both a new trick using treats to keep both of their attentions. If the new dog is showing dominating actions over you (claiming you as his) and/or the old dog, the new dog should be trained to not do it. Rewarding the old dog for acting depressed or encouraging him to fight with the new dog for position isn't going to help the situation and may in fact make the situation worse.

LaLa_Laru · February 2011

I agree with Bama. You should NOT try to assert Dusty as alpha. That could lead to behavior problems. YOU should be alpha, YOU are boss. He needs to know that that kind of behavior is not tolerated. I feed my dogs three times a day right after family meals. In a pack the alpha's eat first, so by eating first and then feeding them afterwards it creates a pack mentality and it shows that I and my family are boss, that we eat first and that they eat second, it also creates a family and dog bond of sorts. They both should be fed at the same time and they both should get an equal amount of love and attention. They both should be trained to know their place in the pack and they both should know that they have the SAME rank and it's subordinate to YOU. They should NOT be fighting to show who's boss, you should stop that bahavior immediately. Dusty could just be jealous, that's how my dogs were but they got over it with proper training, they love and play with each other now. Good luck RNRQ : D

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 · February 2011

Alabama - Thank you very much for the advice. I'm not absolutely sure that Jacoby is claiming me, but it seems like it. When I start to pet Dusty, he nudges himself in between us. Anyways, I'll try teaching them each a new trick, though I'm not sure what to teach because Dusty already knows tons of tricks and sign language. Lala - Me? Boss? I guess I AM one of those people that are in denial that let their dogs rule their life,lol. And for the feeding thing, my dogs aren't fed on a schedule, they just have a large bowl of food that we keep filled. Thank you Lala!

Alabama · February 2011

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 wrote:

Alabama - Thank you very much for the advice. I'm not absolutely sure that Jacoby is claiming me, but it seems like it. When I start to pet Dusty, he nudges himself in between us.

Yes, he is saying Dusty can't have your attention, only him. That needs to stop. When he butts in, you need to send him somewhere to sit until you are done with Dusty, then call him over and give him attention. If Dusty butts in, do the same thing. Dogs shouldn't be demanding attention and deciding who gets your attention. They get attention when and how you want them to get it.

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 · February 2011

Ah ok. I guess I've been a doormat so to speak then because as I said to Lala, the dogs basically rule the house. I will do as you said though

iluvdogs111 · February 2011

Bama, you've actually helped me too! One of my dogs butts in for attention too! Thanks, and good luck rockandroll

Rock_N_Roll_Queen90 · February 2011

iluvdogs111 wrote:

and good luck rockandroll

Thank you *UPDATE* So today I took Jacoby and Dusty outside and they played really good!! I've also been becoming the boss of my little pack and it seems to be working out quite well, all of the dogs are listening much better.

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Help, my dog is feeling betrayed!

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