Hi everyone, I have 3 shih-tzus. Gizmo who is 9, Bailey who was 1 yesterday and Alfie who is 8 months. Recently Alfie is going for gizmo at lease once a day for the past few weeks and is being very intimidating. He walks beside him very close and stares at him all the time. Gizmo tries not to make eye contact with him and is becoming very frightened when alf is around. Alfie has an almost strutt when he walks past gizmo and gives him filthy looks. the younger ones do play a lot and giz does join in (as much as he can) and alfie is fine with that, but then all of a sudden he snaps.Hoping you can help!!

Alfie seems to be displaying dominant behavoir towards Gizmo. When you catch him doing that, snap him out of it! Look at how Gizmo is standing to. Dogs send each other messages through their body language and energy. A dog who stares at another dog is challlenging him! You have to stop this becasue puppies should respect their Elders not challenge them. That is like a child smackin his mother across the face! Make sure Alfie knows that Gizmo is the older one.

I also have to agree. This is a sure sign that the pup is trying to take over Gizmo's Alpha role. it would be best if you would step in and intervene so that the older dog doesn't feel put out of the pack. If the pup is allowed to push gizmo around he's sure to try it on humans too.

thanks everyone. I grab alfie by the scruff (or the nearest part of his body)and pull him away and tell him he is bad but even in the air with me holding him he is still going for it, and occassionally when i put him dow he goes again or does the dominating strutt thing up and down staring at Giz. In reply to "cougarfan06" question of how is he standing, Gizmo rarely makes eye contact with alfie and is getting quiet nervous. I really dont know what to do, shelley023 says he may try it on with humans which makes me nervous as i have a 4 and 6 year old. He hasnt done this to the year old dog. They all eat together and sleep together with no problem, its just all of a sudden he does it. The first time was when alfie was sick and he turned on Gizmo so i thought he was protecting his sick or just felt rough, but the last few times has been over nothing. As i say, they play together but Gizmo now tries to stand begind my legs all the time, so he is getting very worried

It might be time for Gizmo to have a vet check also. Sometimes, a younger dog will sense that an older one is not feeling well, and then they just have to try to take over. I really hope that Gizmo is well, but considering how he is reacting to everything, a check up couldn't hurt!

Helly has some really great points, but I would still make sure that Gizmo is not ill. Vet check should be first, then, let them decide who is who in their world!