I have 2 females 2.5 yrs old each, one is a dobe ,one is a GSD. when they play the dobe is always growling , on top, pulling GSD,standing over so I would think she is the dominant, however (before I knew better) I would feed them together and the GSD wouldnt allow the Dobe to eat, it was even to the point where after the GSD was done she would still attack the Dobe for going anywhere near the food, to the point the dobe was getting to thin.
Is the GSD dominant or the Dobe?

ps. I now kennel the GSD after feeding to allow dobe to eat.

With bitches, dominance isn't static. It can change from day to day sometimes. But, just from my experience, I don't think play is really an accurate yardstick for dominance. My dog and bitch have a definite pecking order (guess which one is dominant? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ), but when playing, they trade off on dominant and submissive postures.

They only way to truly find out is to let them go at it in the squared circle.

Im kidding by the way,

Robert

Not to be an alarmist, but I'd hate to hear something bad happen.

My 2 bitches, up until just 2 months ago, were great playmates. Right about the time they reached 3 years old it CHANGED REAL QUICK. Yes, bitch dominance changes from day to day, or should I say my smaller bitch WOULD change it on a daily basis -- and trust me, you do NOT want to see 2 big bitches going at it like "to the death". It is not a minor fight. It's only grace of god neither of mine were injured. And now they are kept seperately.

There is several articles on the website about this, I'd read them all and find some solutions. I'd also suggest reading whatever is there regarding breaking up a (real) dog fight without getting hurt. Unless you know how to do it, don't attempt it, it's very easy to get badly bitten.

Just my .02
Bobbie

There are instances where you sometimes need to allow the dogs to "work it out" without human intervention to allow the established Alpha the means to tell the "wanna be" "not in my lifetime" but you have to know your dogs and have established absolute control of your dogs. I would not advise the average pet owner who has provided only home/shelter and little obedience training to their dogs to "let them go at it".
My N/M lab as a youngster in his "punk" phase was feeling his oats and would pester/challenge the Alpha GSD. She finally had enough of his "oats" one day and put him on the ground, stood over him and made him cry but never left a mark on him (I observed with my heart in my stomach from across the yard). I ran over to see the GSD standing over him, daring him to make a move. I yelled to the GSD to stop and let him up..she obeyed and walked off, leaving the lab to ponder his actions. The "disaplinarian" of the pack (F/Husky/Shephard) walked over and barked her head off to him. The lab never challenged the GSD again.

My point is..I know my dogs..inside and out..they know I am MOM and what mom says goes! Unless you have established absolute control; don't allow the confrontation to take place because it will only spell disaster and probably a trip to the vet for the injured animal and perhaps a hospital trip for the human who didn't know what to do and ended up getting bit.

I would say that it is never wise to allow dogs to "work it out" among themselves. This is asking for trouble. You must take control from the very beginning. Also the above post brings up another lesson in owning more than one dog. Get one male and one female. They are much more likely to get along than two of the same sex. Any more than that it's time to build some kennels. Especially if you own dominant breeds.

I made the mistake of allowing my dog to bond too closely too my bitch, who is 2 years older than him (and spayed). If I take one of them out somewhere, no matter what is happening, they are totally obedient and do exactly what I say. But, :rolleyes: when they're both out, my male has an incredibly difficult time staying focused on me as he is super intent on what the female is doing. I've given him hard corrections to get him to pay attention to me, but it helped little. So I stopped doing that and now when I take them someplace together I don't push the obedience too much. It's not like they're UN-obedient, they're just not at the high level I normally have from them. I guess the next time I get a pup I'll be careful how much inter-action I allow them to have. I want them to be focused on me, and not each other. Did I learn my lesson or am I reading this wrong? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Thanks.

Chuck..I agree.. multiple dogs and dominate breeds of the same sex is spelling trouble. However; mellow breeds, same sex is usually workable in a knowledgeable home.

In a couple of years my very mellow, sweet and submissive gsd will be 6. My male will be 4 and I was thinking it would be time to get another female gsd, pup. I'm kind of attracted to a female from some of those Czech/Belgian lines that we've been reading about lately. Will this work or is there a good chance I'm going to have a problem?

Scott;
Personally; I think you're making too much out of this. Think of it this way..dogs are at a 3-5 year old human mentality. They are "buddies". When they're home; they are relaxed in their own enviroment and can more easily focus. If they are not being disobedient then give them a break and let them just enjoy themselves and their outing.
My beloved GSD and Husky/Shep were inseperable friends and loved each other. They were obedient at home and well behaved out together. Never gave me a problem and proved their devotion and protection to me on several occasions without hesitation. Neither had formal "protection training" but no one ever told them that nor would have dared to. Their forced separation (the GSD passed first 08/01) was devestating to the other and she too recently passed (03/02)from a medical condition but I really think it was from a broken heart.