I recently visited a household with two dogs.

Not so strange, right?

It gets interesting.

I am always fascinated by the dynamics between dogs living together, the strange play of jealousy, dominance, friendship.  Throw in a cat and you have a drama that should grace the silver screen.

In this case, there were two dogs.  One was a male Labrador and the other one was female and half coyote.  We’ll call them Lucy and Ricky.  Lucy is seven and Ricky is a little over a year.  Lucy used to be the only dog of the house until recently when the new roommate brought his dog, Ricky, to live with him.  Both dogs are obedient and well trained, give or take a quirk here and there.

Most dogs living in the same house create a pack, an order, a hierarchy interrupted only by the rare brawl over food or affection.  In this house, there are two packs, each with only one member.  In the house, they stay on different sides.  In the yard, the occupy different corners.  They snarl and growl and wrestle with tails wagging.  They both have battle scars.  And after fighting viciously all day, they fall asleep on top of each other.  They have lived together for over a month and there is no sign of submission from either one.

Can two dogs agree to disagree?  Is the situation dangerous?  Is it just a matter of time before one gives in?

The owners are trying to allow the dogs to work it out themselves.  In the meantime, they have taught them the command “SPACE!” when they start to fight.  Most of the time, it works.  They separate and go brood.

Have you guys seen anything like this?  I know the owners are tired of playing referee and tending to wounds.

Tell me your thoughts.