Beagle issues (retrievers, dominant, breed, eating)

[msmason8]

My little boy beagle has decided that he is not okay with his older brother that is a Jack Russell...how do I smooth things out with them again...Copper {the beagle} is extremely jealous of Sparky { the Jack }, but only when it comes to me...weird huh?

[Woof Woof Woof!]

Originally Posted by msmason8

My little boy beagle has decided that he is not okay with his older brother that is a Jack Russell...how do I smooth things out with them again...Copper {the beagle} is extremely jealous of Sparky { the Jack }, but only when it comes to me...weird huh?

You need to stop treating the dogs equally. Dogs are not diplomatic. They have a pack order. Humans create confusion by trying to "love" each dog the same. You must respect the alpha dog's position in the pack, otherwise you are going to create arguments as the dogs try to sort it out themselves.

[msmason8]

Ok I understand that...Copper is the more dominant one...but in what way to I still love Sparky but not interfer with the pack order thingy....should I treat Copper more special or in what way should I??

[Katie1]

Is Feed the boss 1st......give him treats 1st.......pet him 1st.....etc

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by Woof Woof Woof!

You need to stop treating the dogs equally. Dogs are not diplomatic. They have a pack order. Humans create confusion by trying to "love" each dog the same. You must respect the alpha dog's position in the pack, otherwise you are going to create arguments as the dogs try to sort it out themselves.

Sorry this would be a very bad idea. Yes there is a pack pecking order and the human must be the alpha of the pack - not one of the dogs. The minute you "respect" a dog as alpha - that dog is now in charge not you! Once all dogs in the pack recognize YOU as alpha, they will then look to you on how to behave. I own Chesepeake Bay Retrievers, a very dominant breed. We have a saying, "Someone needs to be in charge and God help you if its the Chessie". Anytime a dog shows dominance over another dog or over you it has to be addressed.

[AlisonL]

Va-Ca is exactly right. You are the alpha. Then comes the order of the dogs.

[msmason8]

Ok...well I just wanted to see what I could do to help smooth out their differences...they occur mostly at feeding time or when Copper wants to play and Sparky isn't into it. When sparky comes to me to get some attention, Copper immediately comes running...

[Va-Cat]

Originally Posted by msmason8

Ok...well I just wanted to see what I could do to help smooth out their differences...they occur mostly at feeding time or when Copper wants to play and Sparky isn't into it. When sparky comes to me to get some attention, Copper immediately comes running...

Believe it or not - its not weird at all. Your Beagle has decided that you belong to him so that he is making the decision on who you should be spending your time with. Same thing at meal times. The Alpha always eats first and the rest of the "pack" have to share the left overs. You need to get this straightened out or the fur will continue to fly and the aggression could overflow to you or someone else. When Cooper wants to play and Sparky isn't into it, you should be the one to get Cooper to back off. Your Beagle needs to learn that you are in charge not him. Believe me when that happens it makes for a very happy household. All 4 of my dogs know that I'm the one that decides how things are to be handled. They share food, toys and my affection without any aggression. It doesn't just happen but worked on it does make for a happy pack and household!

[msmason8]

ok that makes a whole lot more since....thanks so much