ARGH!!!!

[Sharpeigirl]

I'm about ready to kill both dogs!!! :x :x If this bitchy pushy fighting crap doesn't stop!!! Apollo is being a pain in the ass. Everytime Zeus wants to go out, or wants anything Apollo gets pissed off and shoves him away. I treat Apollo as the dominate dog, he gets everything first, and he does everything first. But after he's ate, he shoves Zeus out of the way & eats his food as well. I feel like this has got to stop, or I'm going to have a knock down drag out fight on my hands. Zeus tries to keep out of Apollo's way, but he always seems to get the short end of the stick. I mean I can't give out chews with out Apollo takeing them. I tried to let them settle it, but I don't want to see Zeus become fearfull of his housemate. I know GSD's are prone to fear problems. I just want some ideas on how to help this.

[kendalyn]

Treating Apollo as the dominant dog for a pecking order is fine, but that doesn't mean you have to let him push Zeus around. Both dogs need to realize that all resources are ultimately yours. If you don't want Apollo eating Zeus's food, don't let him. Being alpha isn't the same as being rude and pushy. You can still teach Apollo some doggy manners without disrupting their "pack".

I would make sure Apollo knows that it is never ok to eat Zeus's food or take chews away from him. Maybe you could start this by training a good leave it command.

[Carolk9s]

I agree with Kendalyn, being the dominant dog does not give license to be rude and pushy. In fact, a true alpha would rarely behave in this manner.
Also, I do consider myself to be part of the pack in a sense. Of course I realize dogs aint people and vice versa, but the bottom line is that I am alpha is this house and in this pack. This goes along with what Kendalyn said about YOU ultimately controlling all resources.
If you have to put Apollo on a leash during mealtime, so be it. Even better, feed both dogs in their crates, crates that are separated far enough for Zeus to feel secure.
Giving out chewies? YOU supervise and immediately intervene should Apollo take it upon himself to attempt stealing from Zeus.
Both dogs need to know with absolute certainty that YOU are the boss and that YOU will protect them, both inside the house and out.

[Guest Anonymous]

I've been trying to control the situation, but it's got out of hand, and I feel really bad that I let it go that far. I've been so busy with "Non-dog Life" I've neglected to keep up with training. I know I'm pack leader, and I need to control them more.

[imported_Kat]

Hey Shar, don't treat one dog as being dominant over the other. Treat them as equal in your eyes and with your methods and voice tone, otherwise Apollo will get too cocky (as what sounds like he is doing now), and really start to show dominant behaviour over not only Zeus but also you too. Even be more dominant over Apollo if he is hard headed and use a stronger voice tone, but they will get on much better if treated as equal as possible. Good luck! :wink:

[Guest Anonymous]

*Deleted*

[courtnek]

as Alpha, you need to be able to make them obey you. Feed one, if that's what you want, but when its time to feed Zeus, leash Apollo to you and stand there and watch Zeus eat. a short two feet leash attached to a belt is all you need. If Apollo acts up, a stern SIT and then Good dog, when he does. Make him watch Zeus eat, and if he behaves, then reward him. Same with treats. Apollo needs to learn that YOU are top dog, and you wont tolerate any squabbling...

good luck

:)

[Sharpeigirl]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I really need to get on the ball with training again. I kinda let everything go while I was dealing with some other stuff.