I have 7mo old shep pup, 3yr old female dobie. These dogs, for the most part get along well. The pup really does well following the lead of the behavior i expect from the dobie, which is making traing him a bit easier. However, I am running into some problems.

Lately he's been blocking the stairway when the dobie wants to come up. How do i handle this as its happening? I've been pulling him to the side, making him sit, but he stares her down as she passes. When I let go, he goes after her. Not to fight with her, just runs at her. Its annoying for us and the dobie.

He'll take a toy or treat right out of her mouth. This is tricky for me because sometimes she'll defend it, other times she'll drop it before he gets to her and let him have the treat or toy. Or she'll look at him before she takes something from me, if he's watching her,(which he usually is) she'll turn her head away from me, and won't respond until i give something to the pup. This will happen during quick training sessions I do with the dogs together. Too much for the pup? Should I correct the female?

He takes the lead (over female) going out the door, into the car, etc. She lets him, doesn't seem to be any problems with this. She actually submisses to him most of the time. Very seldom she'll correct him (depending on her mood)by growling or ignoring him. He'll usually back off.

They have a great time off leash. She is on an e-collar (just in case) and he is on a drag line. But I notice he's always checking that he's ahead of her.

Am I looking at problems down the road if I treat these dogs equally, or should I take my cues from the female. It is as if she saying "go ahead let him be first".

More qualified professionals will answer, I'm sure. I'm just someone who's had to deal with two spayed females fighting, and read just about all of Ed's site and watched the appropriate videos. Sounds like if the male wants to establish dominance over the female, and she'll let him, then you won't have a problem. Don't forget YOU are the leader of them both.

Do not allow this pup to dominate and harrass the Dobe. At 7mos, it's nearing (if not already there) the end of puppyhood in which older dogs will allow bad behavior without serious repercussions. I have a 6mo old GSD who is very similar. My APBT is endlessly patient with him, but is beginning to be less tolerant as the pup matures. I ALWAYS correct him/protect her when he's out-of-line. It's not my dog's problem to protect itself from other dogs, including this pup. It's MINE. Put the pup in his place so that the Dobe can stand him as he gets older. If they get off on the wrong foot...er paw...now, you're going to have a long road ahead of you. It's normal for a pup to try to test rank at this age-keep him under YOUR control so the Dobe doesn't have to.

In agreement with Jenni here. I never allow any assertion of dominance between dogs in my household. Nobody gets to stare at, steal from or stand over anyone, ever. Even the wrong look from one to the other can result in a nasty fight so it's better if the dogs understand right away that none of that will be tolerated. I choose who ranks in my house, not my dogs. If your Dobe is getting growly periodicly toward your puppy now, her tolerance of his behaviour as an adult is likely not to be as forgiving. If he's allowed to keep being pushy with her now it's only going to get worse as he gets older since in his eyes you're okay with it and haven't challenged it. I would nip this in the bud ASAP.