Who Does It?
When it happens with the owner present, the subordinate dog thinks the owner will support his bid for leadership. In the owner's absence it may indicate one dog is making an independent bid for alpha leadership among the pack.

How Do I Prevent It?

• Associate the dogs being together with positive activities. Play with both dogs but use different toys.

• Two people take two dogs walking.

• YOU be relaxed and act happy when the two dogs are around each other. Praise calm, relaxed muscle tone (friendly) behaviors.

• Do not allow dogs to get too worked up. Play arousal can lead to aggression. YOU keep dogs calm around each other.

• Teach the dogs to sit/stay for greetings to prevent pushing each other for your attention.

• In the evening, put them each on a mat in the same room with you but not next to each other. Provide each with a long-lasting safe rawhide. Leash them indoors when on their mats to keep them separated yet near you and each other.

When Does It Happen?
The "Number 2" dog demonstrates certain body language when the owner is present. This causes the "Number 1" dog to growl. The owner punishes the Number 1 dog for growling; this elevates Number 2's confidence to make a move, which triggers alpha aggression, so the fight begins.

How Can I Stop It?
Have both dogs checked for chronic frustrating discomfort. The physical exam should be looking for subtle symptoms like dental pain, or skin rashes that might lower aggressive thresholds.

First lower the status of both dogs by instituting Leadership Exercises. Neuter either both dogs, or at least the lower ranking dog. Determine which dog will have a higher status than the other. Give that dog "Privileges of rank".