Need additional help/info-dominance submission

[jenn D]

Does anyone have video of your dog playing with another dog in the family? I can't tell if Brisby and jake are playing or if they are both at about the same level of dominance and its dominance ordering. And yes, they are still technically "older pups" at almost 11 months and 8 months. Both are neutered. I've had multiple dogs before but never 2 so close in age or what appears to be close in dominance level .
They will stop when or if I think it has gone too far. I tell them to knockoff off and they do. No bite marks but a lot of mouthing, pawing and humping going on here. Jake definately dominates over food and treats. Brisby doesn't really care. He has treats hidden everywhere and is like "whatever". Same with food. He knows there is a limitless supply. No growling from jake in these areas, he just takes Brisby's chewy or he makes it to the bows first. Brisby doesn't seem to care or fight him.

However, jake does not get on the furniture and I don't think he was allowed before but Brisby is allowed on the ottoman and 1 part of our couch next to where I sit. Brisby WILL not let jake have these spots. He growls and is like "you can have first dibs at toys and treats but these spots are mine PERIOD. No negotiating!"

Is it possible for dogs to be dominate in some areas and not others? I'm not sure how it will all shake out as far as Who is on top. I know to follow the "don't baby the beta" rule but how do you handle when beta shifts due to circumstance?

Again lots of humping and pawing etc. but it doesn't seem like it goes down a bad path. The fact that there is no clear cut leader emerging makes me think this could be a drawn out battle.

They do flop down together when crazy play time ends. And they are always in the same room.
Still it's like hump-a-doodle fest here.

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

that looks like normal doodle play...pretty gentle actually :)  

one thing you may or may not know, I was told by a trainer if they start to stand on their back legs like they're boxing, break it up because they are overly excited & things could escalate.  

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Is this so? I had never heard this. Mine stand on their back legs at times but do not appear overly excited?

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

this is what the trainer said when she saw Baker & another dog playing like that in front of her...she said they were getting carried away...

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

It might be different with doodles. They tend to like standing on their rear legs-seems to be a poodle trait.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

this looks like very calm playing to me.  Zoe and Ben play like this too but Zoe growls and grunts at Ben and tries to hump him all the time.  of course all he has to do is stand up and she will fall right off.  Ben does the whole pawing thing like jake does but Zoe is so small compared to him I feel like he might hurt her so I make them stop if he gets on his back two feet.  

[Karen and Bridget]

I agree with what everyone has said.  They are just fine and having fun! 

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

My 2 are exactly the same way as you describe Jake and Brisby. The 'leader, or 'alpha' isn't clear cut, as its constantly changing throughout the day. Sorry, I don't have a video of them playing, but Oscar will hump Lucy, holding her tight tight tight around the hips, with Lucy growling and trying to maneuver out of the hold, and then once she's free she'll do a 'modified' girl hump, putting her front legs up on one side of Oscar's back. Oscar is the toy monger, and Lucy allows him to have the toys. He's also super food motivated, where Lucy is not. She does have her limits as to what she allows, though. She, too, has her 'place' on the bed and never gives that up. She lets Oscar know when she means business, and he LISTENS and heeds her warning. To me, this give-and-take relationship they have seems perfect. I can't imagine a better one, actually.

[Deborah Brown]

I think the idea of dominance is not so obvious or clear cut in most cases.  Many experts don't buy into the theory at all.  With my three doodles, they each have things that they are bossy about.  Like Brisby, Charlie likes his spot on the ottoman.  Penny ALWAYS eats Charlie's left over food.  I think he leaves her a few nuggets as tribute.  ;)  Wayne is protective of his ball and new toys.  They all hump each other on occasion.  Usually the one doing the humping is jealous of attention given one of the others.

You will find your household is not nearly as quiet as it once was.  Maybe sure they both get plenty of rest time and separation time.  Over tired puppies are just like over tired kids - more likely to get crabby and fight.

Have fun!