October 05, 2011
My one dog keeps attacking the other when he gets close to his food, toy, treat and even me. Is this a dominance issue? Is he dominant over me to the other dog?
Full Question:
I have a four year old Mastiff and a one year old Great Dane. I got both as puppies. The problem that I have now is that the Great Dane will attack my Mastiff if he comes to close to his food, toy, treat. The Great Dane even attacked the Mastiff when he tried to come over to me. There was no advance warning like growling. I always let the Great Dane know that his behavior was bad, and also let the Mastiff know that he was ok and doing nothing wrong. Most times when these attacks happen, within a few seconds after they again are licking and playing with each other. Is this a dominance issue? Although both are very attached to me the Dane hardley ever leaves my side. Even as I sit and relax, he is at my feet. Is he dominant over me to the other dog? 
Cindy's Answer:
The dogs don’t respect your leadership or they would look to you for guidance instead of working out their issues through fighting. Since you know the triggers for the aggression, you need to control them (i.e. food, toys, etc). Set the dogs up for success.
You also should separate the dogs and train each one separately.
Owners of dogs like yours underestimate the genetic power of "PACK DRIVE." Pack structure is not something new and it is not optional, and if you don’t provide the structure and leadership a dog NEEDS then he or she will behave as canines have for thousands of years and will structure your family and household their own way. Your dogs are simply behaving like dogs.
If you want to fix a problem like this you can but it takes some work.
I would start by running your dogs through our groundwork program and the video that picks up where the article leaves off, Pack Structure for the Family Pet.
Here is DVD that I would recommend titled Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dogs. If you go to the link on this DVD you can read about what it covers. You will also see a detailed outline of what’s in the video.
We also have a number of eBooks, which include topics that may help you.
If you spend some time reading this section, you’ll see that your problems are very common. I’ve received 6 or 7 emails just today from dog owners with very similar problems. If you don’t teach the dogs your rules, they can’t possibly behave how you want them to.
Cindy Rhodes
You also should separate the dogs and train each one separately.
Owners of dogs like yours underestimate the genetic power of "PACK DRIVE." Pack structure is not something new and it is not optional, and if you don’t provide the structure and leadership a dog NEEDS then he or she will behave as canines have for thousands of years and will structure your family and household their own way. Your dogs are simply behaving like dogs.
If you want to fix a problem like this you can but it takes some work.
I would start by running your dogs through our groundwork program and the video that picks up where the article leaves off, Pack Structure for the Family Pet.
Here is DVD that I would recommend titled Dealing with Dominant and Aggressive Dogs. If you go to the link on this DVD you can read about what it covers. You will also see a detailed outline of what’s in the video.
We also have a number of eBooks, which include topics that may help you.
If you spend some time reading this section, you’ll see that your problems are very common. I’ve received 6 or 7 emails just today from dog owners with very similar problems. If you don’t teach the dogs your rules, they can’t possibly behave how you want them to.
Cindy Rhodes
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