Change in Behaviour Seems Odd

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

As many of you know, we lost our old Mr. Jake last Friday. The two doodles seemed bewildered for a few days not really a grieving mode just bewildered. I have to say at the outset that Jake was a late addition to our family and was, to put it mildly, very crotchety with the doodles when he first came to live with us. They did become friends eventually but Jake remained the more dominant dog even though he was 1/3 Riley size and weight. Molly would put him in his place but even she avoided him at times.

Anyway, Riley has exhibited some strange behaviour lately. He's much more affectionate to me (I have to admit he's daddy's dog for the most part) to the extent that he's barking at Molly if I love on her. Riley is usually the most mellow of doodles so this seems strange for him. He's been more aggressive (well as aggressive as he ever gets) when the doods are playing.

I am sure it has everything to do with the change in dynamics in the house but can't quite seem to understand the cause and effect here. Do you think he's trying to assert himself now that the holy terror who was Mr. Jake is gone.

What do you think?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have read that when the family or pack situation changes the remaining dogs will "revisit" their status.  If Jake was the leader or the more dominant of the three, Riley may be trying  to step up and take over his position.

[F, Calla & Luca]

That makes sense.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Yes, I agree with this.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I've read about this too.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

I know that when Lexi, my daughter and son in laws dog passed (they were living with us at the time), their boxer beagle mix decided it was her turn to lay on the couch next to Grandma just like Lexi did.

Lexi was sick with kidney failure for the last year of her life so she wore diapers so I said no furniture (gave in to that really quick) but preferred to be with me upstairs rather than her parents and Sophie in the downstairs where they made their home. It was wonderful for me but the two of them missed their dog(s) and insisted, at least for a short while, that Sophie stay downstairs with them.

I would open the basement door and there Sophie would be lying at the top of the stairs waiting...she the came up and stayed with me until they discovered our deed. Ha ha.

Anyway to me, that was evidence that they do move up the pack, even if it still is the bottom. :o)

[Moe]

I know people don't love Cesar Millan but he talks about this a lot. When one dog dies the others have to fill the space in the pack. Often he says this forces submissive or passive dogs to take a leadership role they are not comfortable with which can lead to aggression. He says to make sure the human is in control so the dogs don't have to figure it out. That's his 2¢. It seems to make sense.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I'm pretty sure you are right.  Status is being re-evaluated.  Make sure you come out on top.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Yes, I do think he is 'feeling his oats' now that Jake is gone.  Before we knew our alpha dog, lab mix had cancer, Ned must have known, because he began 'protecting' him when we went on walks by getting between him and people coming toward us. Once he passed, Ned became our alpha and 'protects' our pack and our home.