There are a couple of reasons why your male dog might be suddenly obsessed with your other male dog: fulfilling play needs or seeking a safe space.
Potential Reasons for Increased Attention
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Play and Interaction:
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Your dog may have discovered that your other dog provides a stimulating playmate. This includes:
- Physical contact (wrestling, cuddling)
- Physical play (fetching, tug-of-war)
- Chase elements (running after each other)
- Mouthing (playful nipping)
- General interaction and companionship
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Essentially, your dog has learned that interacting with the other dog is fun and rewarding.
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Seeking a Safe Space:
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This is more common in older dogs or rescue dogs who may be experiencing anxiety or insecurity. The other dog provides:
- Comfort
- Security
- A sense of safety
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The presence of the other dog might make him feel less vulnerable, especially in new or stressful situations.
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It's important to observe your dogs' interactions to determine which reason is more likely. Are they engaging in playful behavior, or is one dog seeking comfort and security from the other? Also, keep an eye out for signs of resource guarding or dominance issues, even though they seem "obsessed" in a positive way, subtle imbalances could be present.
