What Happens When a Dominant Dog Gets Old?

Learn the difference between dominance and aggression in dogs to help your older dog enjoy his senior years. Dominant dogs are demanding and friendly. They greet you with a wagging tail. Aggressive dogs don't wag their tails, can growl, and take up stiff-legged stances. When a dominant dog gets old, he faces mobility difficulties and increased risks of diseases including arthritis and diabetes.

  1. Dealing with Other Dogs

    • A previously good-tempered dominant dog may seem to lose its patience with younger dogs and puppies as he ages. Their antics draw "grumpy old man" responses which can include nips or actual bites to the offending youngsters. Learn to distinguish between age-related behavior and reasonable discipline, to see just how grumpy your dog is and to know when to intervene. Dominant dogs usually warn subordinates with a series of escalating responses. Growls are followed by bared teeth and eventually nips, but not usually serious bites. Solutions include ensuring plentiful exercise for puppies and energetic younger dogs who bother the older dog. He'll get more rest and less impudent behavior from tired puppies.

    Vision and Hearing Issues

    • Dominant dogs, as they age, may need help if they function as guard dogs in your home. This is because, just as in humans, vision and hearing can become impaired with the passing of the years. Dogs with failing hearing are also more likely to bark and whine. To ease this transition, keep furniture in the same positions to avoid injuries by collisions and try clapping to call him to you. Keep his nutrition at optimal levels and feed him any vet-recommended supplements to maintain his sight and hearing well into old age.

    Slowing Down

    • Large dominant dogs are considered old--comparable to a human over the age of 55--at between 5 and 6 years of age. In smaller dogs, reaching 12 years of age qualifies them as a senior citizen. Early aging signs include general slowing down of all physical activities. Dogs sleep more and become tired more quickly during walks. Try taking him on two shorter walks a day, rather than one long one, and avoid making loud noises around him. Eliminate the possibility these signs are due to diseases, such as an under-active thyroid or arthritis, by a thorough vet check-up.

    Supporting Your Older Dog

    • Reinforce his dominant position by greeting and feeding him first. Other dogs you own will see this as affirming his "top dog" status. If he needs a quiet place for his increasingly longer naps, provide him with one. Replace his usual resting place with softer and more comfortable bedding to accommodate tired limbs and arthritic backs. Allow some natural competition between an older dominant dog and others reaching maturity. This is a natural process to establish the hierarchy of the "pack." Do not intervene unless one dog is in danger of becoming seriously injured.