Old dog loses his Alpha status- anyone else have to deal with it?

[Wcross]

Buddy is an unknown age, I adopted him three years ago right before his girlfriend had her pups. He has been losing disagrements with his pup "Larry". He was putting up a fight before but now he backs down without too much fuss. They get into fights from time to time but Larry always seems to get his way.
Is there any way to smoothe the transition of power to the new generation? (dog wise)

This is Buddy.

This is Larry.

[ThomCat]

1. Well, ideally, YOU should be the alpha.

[Wcross]

3. I am the "Alpha"- the dogs are fighting for the dog alpha spot.

I have six dogs. The dog that was above all others is losing his position. Larry is replacing him.

[China_cat]

16. Accept it and act accordingly

They will all be relieved if you do.

Got a different situation here. Two females jockying for alpha position when the pup got old enough. She never made it though, the older always backed her off. Then the older died and the younger is now alpha by default and she's confused as hell. She didn't 'win' the position so she's not sure how to act.

[GardeningGal]

2. Ahhh, what a wonderful guy

I don't have any suggestions other than to cross post in the Pets Group and someone over there might have a good idea.

[Maat]

4. Tell that puppy-dog he should show his dad more respect!

HeeHee; sorry I had to say it!

[amitten]

5. Ask Bush. n/t

[leftofthedial]

6. until I opened the thread,

I thought you were talking about you . . .

;-)

[LaurenG]

10. I thought he was talking about Clinton, lol nt

[Mojambo]

7. Maybe something from our good friends at Pfizer. n/t

[hfojvt]

8. Wow. Larry is hugh!!1!!!1!!

Six dogs??? :wtf: I would need a kennel license in my town with 4. I had 3 but I was never sure who the alpha dog was. Mitzi usually yielded to her son even though she was twice his size.

[xchrom]

9. fellow dog nut here.

that would be hard for me to take.

though i'm not sure what you could do about it -- cause they would have disagreements when you're not looking.

but buddy -- being the elder would probably get my attention.

neutering -- if you haven't already -- could help.

takes a while for it to set in though.

[cobalt1999]

11. another dog person here.

I have 3 now. I can't imagine 6 though. One thing to keep in mind is not to project human emotions onto your dogs. Dogs want a hierarchy and, while they'll argue occasionally, Buddy isn't going to have a hurt ego and feel ashamed of his new lower position like a human would. Just don't do anything to confuse the dogs about the structure.

[Wcross]

12. I've always allowed them to sort it out on their own.

If they get into a fight I let them go at it. For the most part it is a LOT of growling and very little real contact. Its just sad to see Buddy become ineffective in a role he was really good at- controlling his four pups.

[zonkers]

17. Good advice. Let em work it out. And if you feel sad for Buddy, sneak

him a special treat or a little extra neck rub if it makes you feel better.

[RedStateShame]

13. Get him an SUV, like human males do when they lose Alpha status.

[Wcross]

14. Do they make Hummers for dogs? n/t

[WritingIsMyReligion]

15. LOL.

:rofl: