Expert: Renee Cox - 8/8/2008

Question
I have a 5 year old female and a 2 year old female. We recently had our step sister over with her mix bread (very nice and submissive) All of a sudden the 2 year old goes after her to try and bite her. every time they got close she went in. My 2 year old is very submissive as well and usually other dogs try and bite her because she lays down on her back. What is causing this abnormal behavior?

Answer
Hi Melissa. It may be because the new dog came onto her territory. She may have felt the need to defend it. Did the new dog jump on or constantly lick your dog? It may also be because the new dog was so submissive, that your girl felt the need to put her in her place. I wasn't there, so I don't know exactly what went on between the dogs, but it sounds like your dog is trying to reinforce her place in the pack, and show the new dog who was boss. If this took place at your house, then that would make sense. Does she do this when other dogs come to your house, or was it just this one dog?