Respect of a Dog

It’s one thing to be taught about pack behavior and how dogs show respect and it’s another to really observe the dynamic.

In being with my own ever-changing pack, I have watched as they demonstrate to each other who’s who and where they belong. With a little guidance from me, boundaries are clear.

From a local rescue, I brought home a little terrier mix. Breed isn’t important. He is about 4 or 5 years old. He’s timid but so wanted to be a part of what the other dogs were doing. Well, the only female at this point is herself only 10 months old. She is large for a puppy, and It’s already obvious that she is proud of her position in the family.

I introduce the new guy to everyone. There was a lot of showing of teeth by him as he cowered hoping that they’d have mercy on him. (Maybe that’s not his exact thought!) It took about two days before I noticed an obvious shift. The female was never aggressive with him but was certainly fascinated by his little size and looked as if to question why he was showing his teeth and snarling at her. I’m not sure if she was responding with “are you crazy, man?” or “hey, lighten up, I’m harmless.” She would try to engage him in play but that just scared him more.

As I sat and watched their interaction, the trust between them was shifting. After running around in the yard for awhile, the little guy walked over to the female and licked her lips. The sweet signs of a peaceful submission. I had to remember if they had had peanut butter that morning, because that will also cause a licking of the lips for an entirely different reason.

He licked her lips and she let him. Then, the other pup followed. What is this, a mutual admiration society? It’s peace in the kingdom is what it is.