Expert: Delores Beck - 8/13/2007

Question
the oldest is 2yrs old and the youngest is 7 months, they get on well but sometimes fight but the problem that were having is that the eldest has started to climb on the youngest back like a male does, she is going through the motions but obviously its not the right thing to be doing. Is it harmful for either and also is it normal?? Should i stop them doing this the next time i see them.

Answer
Hi Gary,
She's displaying dominance to your 7 month old.
Let them work it out.  Puppies can be incredibly aggravating to older dogs and usually they're quite patient but, from time to time, will clearly demonstrate the "pack order" to remind the young one just who's top dog.
As long as you're not seeing any real aggression (snarling, biting, serious stuff) then I'd just let the puppy fend for itself.  At 7 months she'll try her older sibling "on"
to see how much she can get away with and what you're seeing is your older dog drawing the line.
Not to worry.  All very normal.
If you do want to break this up, then put the 7 month old in her crate, not your older dog.  And make sure your two year old has some time on her own.
Delores