Things You'll Need:
- A stout collar for each dog involved.
- A spray bottle with diluted citronella (not mandatory, just handy)
- A partner
- Both Dogs need to know Basic Obedience commands (Sit, Stay, Down, Off)
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Step 1
First you need to make sure both parties are not ill or injured. Many behavior problems in dogs are due to some health problem that has escaped our attention. When they are declared to be in good health you can start. ALWAYS make sure that YOU are the boss. If there is any doubt in your furry children's eyes they will try you, and they will not respond to your attempt to keep the peace. If they regard you as a door mat this can be extremely dangerous. If You doubt your ability to handle this contact your local ASPCA or Humane Society to see if they have "growl" classes
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Step 2
There are two really good ways I've found to settle the issue of who is dominant. The first is to sit and watch as they play wrestle, the animal that consistently comes out on top is usually dominant. If he/she is then you will see other signs to support the conclusion. I will mention more on those a little further on. The second is not 100% safe and should be avoided IF possible, it is effective though. When/if the battle starts DO NOT put any part of your body into it, they will bite you. IF like me you don't get to the seen before it is settled then pay attention to the one that finished the fight. That is most likely to be your top dog. As soon as you've figured out which is dominant DO NOT leave them unattended in a room until you are 100% convinced they will not return to the war.
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Step 3
Ok. Here is your supporting evidence. The alpha is the animal that is usually first to get somewhere important; ie food, your lap, water, the door. He/She is not necessarily the one who starts the spats. Your dominant will usually "warn off" the invader with a stare, growl, bark or stiff body language. Quite frequently your aggressor is a dog who is insecure or trying to buck the system. ALWAYS watch your dogs whether they joined your family together or if one was a member and then you added the second.
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Step 4
Now that you've discovered your alpha companion (technically Beta, since YOU are the alpha) make sure he goes first in your schedule; he's the first to eat, the first let outside, the first played with. You don't need to wake him/her up from a nap to play just make sure that if he is sitting quietly being petted that you don't allow the other to push him off.
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Step 5
By acknowledging the pack order the fights will diminish in severity and frequency, however you will still have the occasional tiff. This is where that spray bottle with diluted citronella can come in handy. As the alpha it is up to you to monitor body language between your two combatants. Teach your dogs to "back off!" when they begin to initiate. There is a big difference between play and war, with practice you will see and know. If one or both are glaring at each other for long periods of time, ears are flattened, teeth get shown or there is "mounting" behavior immediately order them to "Back Off!" if they do not desperate immediately spray the mixture aiming for the end of their muzzles. In most dogs this sudden wetness combined with the smell of citronella will cause them to back up. Have both sit and reward them for listening. (that is where a partner can be handy)
