[Petitepipette]

Hi everyone,
I have a female and male shiba Inu who may have pups. They tied 2 weeks ago, so not sure yet if female is actually pregnant or not (appt in a couple weeks for ultrasound).
For the past couple days, my male dog hasn’t been full out aggressive with the female, but he has been a bit more snappy with her (growling when she tries to lay with him/groom him/play escalates into shiba bicker (iykyk about shibas bickering 😉)). I can’t find anything to read up on if males will tend to be more snappy/brash bc of female pregnancy or if he’s just tired of her crap (she’s usually the dominate and bossy dog).
Disclaimer: They are extremely close to one another, and wouldn’t totally hurt each other nor have they ever hurt one another. They are both quite vocal and what I would call eccentric personalities. If female is having pups, male will be separated.

 

[BigBlackDog]

I can’t find anything to read up on if males will tend to be more snappy/brash bc of female pregnancy or if he’s just tired of her crap (she’s usually the dominate and bossy dog).

The reason you can't find any info is it doesn't happen typically. And I say typically because dogs, like people, are all different...so, anything can happen. The most likely is the latter part you mention in the above quote. Dogs don't have verbal language, but they do communicate pretty effectively...

 

[Jack Naylor]

Maybe he's angry that "she has a headache". Females often get cranky and growl at her mate because her hormone levels are changing ...perhaps this is just his response because of that or because she's ignoring him. Unless it gets nasty,should be safe to leave together for the 1st 6 weeks if the dogs are not left alone.

Usually it's best that they be separated for the 3rd trimester (6-9 week period), and better to keep them apart till the litter is weaned,especially if he's not up to date on vaccinations and you don't want her pregnant again.