Mugi
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Still bottom of the pileChase and Mugi are both out at the mo while Brice and Fred are upstairs.
Despite Chase being nearly 2 and a very confident young man my 12.5 yr old Moo is still able to put the larger, heavier, fitter Chase in his place - long may the geriatric rule  .
Actually, this raises an interesting question.............
How much do you interfere when the natural order of things starts meaning the oldies will be bullied?? I will never allow Mugi to be upset but how much do you actively discourage the younger dogs and how much do you 'protect' the elder?
In my case I will manage the situation so the dogs have my attention on my terms, sometimes that means that Mugi is out with me and if Chase bullies then he is crated, sometimes it will be Chase out and if Mugi is being jealous he is crated.
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doganjo
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I think you've got it licked, Sue!  That's just what I do.
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guy
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Indeed a most interesting question Sue. You have very complex dynamics within your 'pack' both from the point of age, experience and 'baggage'.
Managing by separation is safe and watertight - but their underlying 'pecking order' can never be sorted out.
I will read with interest how you resolve the problem.
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doganjo
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That's right, Guy. I know in my heart I will never get my GWP bitch and my Brit girls in the same room unless he or they are crated. Just something to live with. 
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Liz
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The only time I had problems with 2 males vying for supremacy was when the younger dog sensed the older one was unwell and wanted to take his chance to take over. I think, Sue, that you are very much in charge of your boys, which will help keep the situation under control.
Make sure they have plenty of space, and they will need space - crates - for "time out".
From my experience, I'd rather deal with 2 males struggling for supremacy than with 2 females - males will more often than not have 1 fight that will settle things for all time, but bitches will niggle on and on and in some cases will fight to the death 
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Jayne Cutler
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Liz
I totally agree with you regarding the bitches. I only have Viviane living with the 4 boys and they all live together in the kitchen and there is never a cross word amongst the boys even when they have bones or any kind of treats.
When people come to visit us and see the dogs they are all surprised how well they get on and this is all down to Richard as he is the alpha figure in the house. Morgan who is 13 is the dog alpha but he has never growled at Pads or Kai and both boys have total respect for Morgan.
Jayne
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doganjo
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Your boys have lovely temperaments too though, Jayne. I think that helps. I only have one dog and three bitches - the two Brit girls are fine most of the time but occasionally I see a spark and have to get the hosepipe out as a threat. But my GWP is such a big girl I just wouldn't take the chance with her, although she is probably the most obedient.
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Liz
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I think both Jayne and Anne have made the vital point that it is up to us as the owners to be the Alpha in the house, and the dogs must realise that we are the boss and they are below us in the pecking order. We have to keep our eyes open for anything starting off.
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