Between our dogs, Sadie is the alpha. It took me awhile to figure out, becuase she usually yields toys to Cincy. However, when she cares enough about something she does not back down. She decides what is worth barking at...Spot and Cincy will bark at almost anything outisde...we often don't check what it is unless Sadie barks too Also, she backs down to other dogs ( Like at the dog park) quickly if Ralph or I are around, but if we aren't she "watches" out for her brother and sister (can you belive she is a bit of a bully at dayschool?)