behavior of recently spayed female

[vdt6459]

I recently adopted/rescued 2 female dogs-one is a 6 month old female shepherd mix and the other is a 5 year old long-haired Dachscund who had been used a breeder. Both females were fixed within the last two weeks. However, the Dachscund keeps "riding" the female puppy. She also licks her back-end--not sure which "thing" she is licking back there though.

Is this normal behavior or something (URI) I should have checked?
Thanks.

[vdt6459]

Thanks for the info. You're right about her not knowing she's a little dog. Her new friend is big enough that the doxie can walk under her without the other dog even knowing it.

She is licking herself so I think I'll have the vet check for an infection--just in case. I'm hoping that it's just a mosquito bite, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Thanks again for your help.

[KikiMay]

My doxie, when there are some fellow dogs at home or after they leave, keeps "humping" her bed and some toys. Is she doing the same thing? She is extremely dominant, even with dogs much much bigger than her, she doesn't care about the size. When she's sure that nobody is in her territory she stops humping.

[Jaybay]

Your Doxie's behavior is entirely normal - for a dominant dog.  It has nothing to do with sexuality, and everything to do with her asserting herself as the top dog in the pack.

As for the licking, do you mean the doxie is licking herself, or the other dog?  Sniffing and licking each other is merely a social activity amongst dogs and shouldn't be discouraged.  If she is licking her own bottom a great deal, there may be something physical going on like a UTI or impacted anal glands that will require a trip to the vet.

Mounting behavior, however, should be discouraged as it can lead to a fight.  How does the other dog react?  Chances are good that your doxie is already thinking she rules everyone in your home, including you.  :-)  This would be a great time to look into a basic obedience class so you can learn to recognize dominant behavior and learn how to deal with it.  Basically, any time your dog makes you do something you don't want to do, that is dominant behavior.

One way to get your two girls to work together as a stable pack is to begin walking them together.  Keep the leash short and place one dog on either side of you.  They don't get to make eye contact or interact on the walk, but there is still communication going on via their noses.  Since you assert yourself as their pack leader, they will begin to look to you instead of each other for protection and information about their environment.  You reaction to other dogs, other animals, cars, etc., will tell them how to behave, so it's very important to stay calm about anything you encounter on walks.

If your new family members don't yet respond to their names, check out an article regarding that issue by clicking on Health Pages.  It's on the top right of this screen.

Guess I'd better shut up now.  Best of luck with your new fur kids!  :-)