Jake trying to mount Max

[stacwase]

Jake's showing a lot of dominant behavior toward Max. Should I let them establish their own pecking order, or should I intervene? Max could swallow Jake whole - I'm afraid Jake might be stepping over the line!

The only time Max has growled at Jake is when Jake comes too close to his rawhide bone (which Max has to keep in his crate). Max seems a little protective of his crate in general - tries to shoo Jake away from it even when they're both out.

Otherwise - Max lets him mount him.

Should I stay out of it?

[lovemyshiba]

I am not an expert, and we just had a big dog fight here yesterday (over a bone). I think you should leave them alone, and let them establish their pecking order themselves.

[kai]

I think you should let Jake continue...Just make sure you're close if ever there's a disagreement..but it seems like max doesn't have a problem with Jake.

[wolf_Q]

Reggie also tried to mount Nebo several times when I first got him (hasn't tried in a long time, Nebo is uh....a little too BIG now lol)

Nebo has been here since July, and he and Reggie still aren't best buddies...Reggie likes to think he's the boss, but he's not. There's never been any bloodshed, but I watch them just in case.

I'd make sure you have them chew on the bones separate, just in case. You don't want anything serious to happen. I'd try to let them work things out on their own, but still keep a close eye on them....I wouldn't leave them alone together.

[Cheshirekatt]

They're going to have to sort out the dominance thing eventually, but I'd keep a close eye on them just to be sure. Wilma does this same thing with the other dogs. I let her do it a little bit, but when it gets annoying I make her stop. We can't have bones in house because they cause too much friction.

[stacwase]

I don't know if Max is letting Jake be boss - or if he just figures Jake's too little and wimpy to worry about! But I won't let them be alone together until we're sure.

Thanks, everybody!!!

[micki76]

Yes, they must sort it out on their own to a degree, but you are also the Alpha and whatever you say goes. We had to seek experts when we got Millie and they both agreed that letting them sort it out totally on their own was a no-no. You are the Alpha and if you don't want any fights in your pack, then put your paw down.
We always have consequences if there's a disagreement. Take away the bones, put them both on a leash (yes, in the house), or no more playtime with toys or us. We had to control almost everything in the beginning. Chester is VERY dominant and used to be somewhat dog aggressive. As soon as we stopped letting them work it out, and took control of the situation, we've had a relatively pleasant two dog home.
Good Luck !

[stacwase]

Thanks, Micki. I agree. I just can't have them fighting anymore. I took away the rawhide bones. That's such a shame, because they enjoy them so much and they're so good for their teeth - but anything to avoid more bloodshed!