thank you for the suggestions.
the dogs (brothers) have never been top of our pack. we actually feed them both last in both households. the rabbits, budgies and chooks get fed first and then they do. they aren't allowed upstairs or in the kitchen and are on the whole fabulous boys.
however, this little boy has always been the baby - he was the runt of the litter and he plays the baby card to his advantage
i don't know about trying to take top spot as he was trained by and listens most to my sister but dad was home with him all day. my sister works from 9 to 5 and comes home at lunch time to spend an hour with him and takes him out for long, long walks to keep him from pining. maybe he's protesting about being at home without dad?
he has always had adhd tendancies and goes on like an ever ready battery but for her he is the most obedient dog anyone could ask for. he was off his food for a long time which is understandable but he has regained his appetite over time. he's still slim for a gsd and sheds more than his longer haired brother which makes me wonder if he is still missing dad.
he's a born worrier and never completely relaxes but we knew that when we took him on. i think she's just worried that he's unhappy and she can't make it better for him.