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Expert QA

I have two dogs, one older than the other. They are always competing, which forever frustrates my senior pet. Is there anything I can do to make life easier for my older dog?

From the Editors of The Dog Daily

After the first introductions, dogs will usually establish a pecking order among themselves, with one tending to be more dominant than the other. If the two dogs are fairly evenly matched -- in terms of body size, personality and other factors – a less stable competition for “top dog” status can occur. You did not mention what happens when the dogs are competing, but I hope that the tiffs do not escalate to physical harm and constant bullying. If so, you may have to leash the more aggressive dog, fully monitor interactions and consider calling in a trainer. One less drastic option is to try a technique suggested by the late trainer and dog expert Job Michael Evans. He suggested that owners have their dogs sit side by side for half an hour at a time. This “Down-stay” exercise can help you achieve at least two possible benefits. First, it establishes you as the pack leader. If you tell the more dominant dog to back off during fights or meal squabbles, it will do so. Second, it teaches the dogs to remain calm and quiet, staying on their best behavior when in each other’s presence.

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<h2>Expert QA</h2>
<h1>I have two dogs, one older than the other. They are always competing, which forever frustrates my senior pet. Is there anything I can do to make life easier for my older dog?</h1>

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From the Editors of <em><a href="http://www.thedogdaily.com">The Dog Daily</a></em>
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	After the first introductions, dogs will usually establish a pecking order among themselves, with one tending to be more dominant than the other. If the two dogs are fairly evenly matched -- in terms of body size, personality and other factors – a less stable competition for “top dog” status can occur.

You did not mention what happens when the dogs are competing, but I hope that the tiffs do not escalate to physical harm and constant bullying. If so, you may have to leash the more aggressive dog, fully monitor interactions and consider calling in a trainer.

One less drastic option is to try a technique suggested by the late trainer and dog expert Job Michael Evans. He suggested that owners have their dogs sit side by side for half an hour at a time. This <strong>“Down-stay”</strong> exercise can help you achieve at least two possible benefits. <strong>First, it establishes you as the pack leader.</strong> If you tell the more dominant dog to back off during fights or meal squabbles, it will do so. <strong>Second, it teaches the dogs to remain calm and quiet</strong>, staying on their best behavior when in each other’s presence.
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