You wouldn't think that a change in status could cause so much disruption between two dogs. But it does.
It's been about three and a half months since that significant fight (read: here) between Chance and Blaze. The fight that started when I started to fix their dinner. All the dogs were over anxious and quite hyped up when Chance and Blaze got into it. I called their names. They didn't stop. I believe it escalated into a challenge from that point, because they kept at it. I also believe that is when everything changed. Nothing between Chance and Blaze has been the same since.
Blaze has always been the Alpha girl and Chance has been the Alpha boy, but it was always Blaze that had the final decision about anything. And now it is just the opposite, except Chance is a bit more aggressive than Blaze was as head boss. It changes the whole mood and character of the Front Dog's headquarters and I don't know that I like it.
It is really hard to describe what I'm seeing, but what has really changed is Chance's demeanor. The way he carries himself. The way he looks and acts like a primitive being. Like he's gone back to some deep root in his ancestry and this new creature has emerged. Something like what I saw with Brut when he would pull rank, yet it was more natural for Brut. He was a born leader, but Chance acts like this skin is too big for him. Chance's demeanor isn't flowing as a natural course of action. He is struggling with it. Is it because I can not accept it or know how to? Or is he just trying to find his way into this new skin he's obtained? I don't know but I'm sure there are plenty more questions that will follow.
And as for Blaze, she has developed a fear of Chance that seems neither of us humans are able to soothe. She just stays out of Chance's way. Chance and Blaze's relationship has always reminded me more of a husband and wife than brother and sister. And now even more so, they remind me of Brut and Silver, with Chance getting all the attention and Blaze in the shadows. It is like a repeat of history, although with less aggression than Brut had. I make a point to spend quality time with Blaze, but she always seems so leery, like she's always watching her back. I can't believe my confident little girl needs to regain her confidence all over again.
I don't know how I feel about this change of power. It makes me uncomfortable and is unsettling to say the least. I am trying to understand to the best of my ability, but it is a bit daunting. I probably sound over dramatic. He hasn't grown horns and started stalking Blaze or anything drastic like that. lol It is just different. Like when you run into someone you know and they got a new haircut. You notice something is different, but you can't quite place your finger on it. And the more you study them, the more you notice that something is definitely different. I'd say that is how it feels for me. This is me flushing it out to get a feel for what has happened between Chance and Blaze.
If you read this far thanks for reading. Have you ever experienced a change of hierarchy in your dog packs?
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Brut Quote
4 comments:
So have you thought about rabies vaccines having anything to do with this. The more research I do the more I see behavior changes after rabies vaccines in a lot of dogs across the country. We use herbs and homeopathy to help our dogs. We had a similiar problem with two females that were sisters and a few fights. The classical homeopath we use (she does it by email and phone so we don't have to live by her) has really helped the aggressor calm down over the last year and the timid one become more confident so she does not avoid her sister completely anymore. If you want, you are more than welcome to email me and I can send you articles or information that you can use. I applaud you for all you do. We have been told to rehome one of ours and we have said "we signed up to be their caregivers when we got them and we are going to do that for better or worse."
@ knuzingwithd9s thank you for your concern and I appreciate the insight, but no the aggression these dogs have are from their father. Yes, we have been told to rehome ours as well and that just wasn't an option. We too, are in it for the long haul.
Yes, I would be interested in any articles or information you have that would help. Thank you.
Good luck to you as well. :)
Good luck in finding something that helps them get along better. I hate it when someone bullies another. It's so sad. :(
I sure hope that it all mellows out. I've seen changes in our pack when one dies... but, aside from that, we reinforce whatever hierarchy they choose...
I can visualize what you are seeing very well.
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