"Blondie seems to need frequent reassurance that she is in charge.
Why do you think this is?
Good question, Mel. Answer: She’s not in charge. Your first impulse was right.
Blondie does not want to share her home, her spot with Snow White. She knows hard times, so she doesn’t want to share her food. Bonita, her daughter was starving to death in January.
Blondie chased her off. She came back over and over again. Most dogs get beat up and move along until they find a place they fit in or they die.
Blondie has become more tolerant of Snow. I think it’s unusual for Blondie to allow another bitch in her spot. Since the three dogs Blondie, Stormy and Bonita have enough food the omega doesn’t get chased away from the food.
It seems to me that Blondie is worried about giving up control of the chow. Snow tolerates Blondie’s abuse without attempting to defend herself. It’s working. Blondie doesn’t know what to do. Her instincts tell her to protect her food, her resources, but dag Snow White is so sweet. She sends respectful signals. She doesn’t bite back. But then she thinks about her food. That’s when she pins her. Blondie is conflicted.
Blondie has always been about what she wants. I haven’t corrected her or forced her to allow Snow White to eat. I’ve just made it impossible for her to defend all her resources.
Snow makes no moves toward the food. She just comes closer. If she were to dart in grabbing a bite, Blondie would chase her off with painful bites.
Blondie does not know what to do with this pacifist behavior. Look at the stupid look on her face. Lord, she looked me right in the face. I felt like she was asking me what to do. It made me laugh.
"Blondie does not know what to do with this pacifist behavior. Look at the stupid look on her face. Lord, she looked me right in the face. I felt like she was asking me what to do. It made me laugh."
ReplyDeleteYou can get this same response treating hostile humans in this way... try it next time someone gets angry with you. Be respectful, listen to their griping, they never know how to respond to that. Usually makes them reevaluate their tactic.
Interestingly I've seen this type of "submissive" behavior that can appease even the grumpiest. I seem to have a household full of bitches with this ability. All going back to the most wonderful bitch I have ever met.. Their ability to appease and make peace with my grumpy old girl is amazing. They have been the only three out of many puppies through my house who have never fallen victim to the old girls puncturing teeth. My newest baby has even swooned the old man who for lack of other words has always been completely intolerant of puppies. It is amazing to see. It is an art for sure. I do wonder now if there is an inherited aspect to this ability as the girls going back to the grand dam all have the knack when the others have been punished for their lack...