Rebellious Ruby, The Doggie Bully

Ruby, our incredibly sweet and docile "senior dog" has let her new-found Alpha Dog status go completely to her head, and has begun to bully little Diva.

She's not hurting Diva (except for her feelings) but definitely is enjoying barking and making Diva jump, and letting her know when it's time for her to move from her favorite backyard shady spot. Poor little Diva runs back up on the deck to me as if to say "She's being MEAN to me!"

However, I realize I have to let all this shake out..... as long as there's no physical harm involved (and there's not), this sort of territorial posturing is to be expected, especially from Ruby, the dog who has been the SOLE canine in the house for the past 3 years.

I do feel a bit sorry for Diva though. Sometimes Ruby will play with her, and then sometimes she'll growl at her for no apparent reason, and Diva will look totally bewildered.