Embarrassing Behaviour question - Page 1

This might be typical behaviour, but I haven’t seen it before. It involves my 14-month-old, unaltered, male GSD and my boyfriend’s 6-year-old, altered (at 1 year), male, Golden Retriever. Both dogs are healthy. Both are raw fed—different proportions but the same meats at each meal.

The two have been together about 70% of the time since the GSD was 8 weeks. There are no dominance issues between the two that I can see (the Golden is very laid back, but dominant). The pup is a typical GSD pup….pretty awesome, occasionally obnoxious.

Over the last couple of weeks my GSD has started “presenting” himself to the Golden by straddling his groin over the Golden’s face when the Golden is lying down. The Golden will sniff closely for a moment, occasionally lick and then it’s over. The Golden has never presented himself in this way to the GSD, at least not that we have seen.

When they’re outside, the GSD will try to get his nose under the Golden when the latter is peeing (leg-lifter) if he can. And, if given the opportunity, will lick the Golden’s urine after he’s done. The GSD does not lick any other urine he comes across, just smells it like any other dog. He has never “presented” himself to any other dog and has never attempted to mount anything, including the Golden.

Do you think this has something to do with a sexually maturing GSD, some act of submission/dominance, or just some odd bonding thing between the two?

I admit I’m not quite certain how to handle this. I do not let the GSD lick the Golden’s urine or interfere with the Golden while he’s peeing, but should I curb the “presenting?” I don’t really want to interfere with some natural canine behaviour if it isn’t a negative act.

Thanks, Karen

When two males are raised together without females they do become affectionate in quasi-sexual ways.  But males do also use sexualized postures in hierarchical displays.  Both are going on, and neither are harmful (unless the Golden is ill or a lot of urine is being consumed). 

I applaud you for trying to be so sensitive.  It is my observation that most people stop the behaviors that make THEM uncomfortable.  As it is, your dogs are not suffering in any way, and a homosexual pair bond is not in any way harmful (dogs switch to hetero sex when it becomes available without difficulty, so lifestyle is not habitual with them).

If and when the gsd assumes the dominant role (as his hormones will promote) there may be a difficult transition period.  Do your best to make sure neither is hurt very much in those conflicts.  Apart from that,  I think you can just use your judgment which appears sound and sensitive.

That was a very tactful answer, MVF.

Thank you so very much for your response MVF. One more follow-up question. You mentioned that this behaviour also indicates a hierarchical display. Do you think that it is an act of submission on the part of the GSD? Or is this, along with their bond, the first forays on the pup's part towards dominance?

First foray toward dominance, surely!

Haha, no apology necessary Brent. I'm interested in everyone's opinion and I know you're right in suggesting that there are far more embarassing behaviours. I'm just really curious because everything started so suddenly. That's why I asked if it might be related to the GSD sexually maturing. So the peeing/urine stuff aside, what are your thoughts on the "presenting?" I have no intention of stopping it, I'd just like to gain some perspective on the behaviour.

Good morning young lady,how are you doing Karen?I have'nt been downtown in a while but when I am ,I always look for you guys.Anyway,my 2 boys sometimes do the same thing.The younger one will smell the older ones urine,lick him etc.I would not worry to much over that.Its probably something thats very normal to them.Ciao for now.