Ranking conflict between two female dogs;
Several readers have approached me with a similar problem. Following the article: “Dogs do not know jealousy!”, (Https://doghelp.altervista.org/dogs-kennen-geen-jaloezie/; https://doghelp.altervista.org/dogs-do-not- know-jealousy /; https://doghelp.altervista.org/i-cani-non-conoscono-la-gelosia/)
A loyal reader wrote about the behavior of her two Cocker Spaniels. Both females. Another reader has similar problems with his two sheep dogs.
One female dog is already a bit older and a second “lady” has arrived in the house for several months. This young dog is close to her first heat. The dogs are usually very good with each other, but the oldest dog clearly dominates the youngest. Now that the youngest is slowly becoming a bit older (sexually mature), she accepts less the dominant position of the older dog.
Typical situations, as I described in the article “Dogs do not know jealousy!”, Also occur between these two dogs.
Ranking conflict … … a mock fight.
In the dog (and wolves) world, the complete social understanding is based on the order of hierachy. There can only be one leader and that leader also determines to a large extent the order of rank within his pack. Above all, he / she will interfere with ranking disputes when higher placed animals enter into a ranking conflict with each other. He will support the animal, which is furthest away from him in order. In this way he assures himself of less competition; the animal that is now on a higher order, will be satisfied for the time being and will not dispute the position of the Alpha.
Mirror fight;
In such a league battle (also called a mirror fight) the two warring animals attack each other with a lot of noise and intimidating behavior. However, a ranking battle is only a test of each other’s strength. Usually the weaker animal soon gives up the battle and then submits himself submissively to his rank higher. When a ranking battle occurs between two male animals, that mirror fight is usually short-lived.
It can happen in some (rare) situations that a female and male animal fight out a mutual ranking dispute. Usually the female animal then quickly gives in. However, when the female animal is clearly stronger and more intelligent, it also happens that she becomes the Alpha leader of the pack.
In domestic dogs one can recognize such an extremely dominant bitch, because she regularly lifts her leg during urination. Just like a male dog.
Ranking between female animals;
Female animals within the pack usually submit (for a longer period) to the prevailing order. The older female animals will keep a natural predominance on the youngster.
A big problem arises, however, when two female animals get into a ranking conflict. Female dogs (and wolves) in a ranking conflict refuse to submit to each other. They will continue to fight forever. The problem, however, is that when they take a ranking battle, this can result in a true slaughter.
Dominance of the boss;
When in a domestic situation you have to deal with a ranking conflict between two bitches, that is a very difficult problem solving. The only correct advice here is to mix yourself as leader of the dogs as little as possible in the hierarchy. In other words; Do not attempt to change the ranking between the two dogs.
When one of the dogs is already clearly higher than the others, then the only correct solution is to consistently support the higher-ranking female in her higher ranking position when she is attacked / challenged by the ranks.
It is therefore very important to first determine which of the dogs is clearly the highest in ranking.
I advise to always support the older dog when the younger dog tries to dispute the ranking. Keep a close eye on when the younger dog growls to the older or provokes in another way. When the animals are fed, I advise to feed the higher-ranking dog first and then the lower ranked. Prevent the animals from fighting because that can be a fight for “life and death”.
There is also a “natural solution” possible. Often the problem between two female dogs in a hierarchy can be solved by introducing a male (dominant) dog. He will regulate the ranking between the two “ladies”.
If you have any questions and / or remarks concerning this article, please let me know!
