Dog Health Questions: Can I teach one of my dogs to be the alpha over the other dog?

My boyfriend has had a bishon for a few years and about a year ago lots of behavioral probs started occurring. He growls, tries to bite, doesn't obey anything at all. .. the list goes on. We're working with him and are planning some dog training classes with a pro soon.

But in the mean time.. I have just gotten a shep/collie. He's great. Listens real well! Catches on real quick. And for the most part is perfectly behaved.

So my question is can I teach the new dog some how .. that he is the alpha dog to the bishon? And if this is possible, will it correct any of these issues we are having with the old dog?

Why One Size Does Not Fit All In Dog Training

Recommended Answer:
Most dog fights occur when people try to get involved in disputes between dogs. Not only should you NOT try to teach or force your dog to be the alpha, you must be very careful to respect their decision.

Dog fights often occur in households with 2 dogs when the dogs have established a hierarchy and are getting along fine. Then the owner feeds the lower dog first, or lets them sleep on the bed and puts the alpha dog in the crate. This confuses the hierarchy and the alpha dog will feel it has to fight to make sure the other dog knows it is the alpha.

Let the dogs work it out themselves. Do take the older dog to a training class.

Dog Training Advice - Tips That You Can Use

• dominance theory is a crock of poo!!
  
  http://www.4pawsu.com/dogpsychology.htm
  
  http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/i…
  
  For the TD faeries - would you be happier with 'absolute twaddle"??


• I am an accredited dog trainer for petsmart. There is nothing you can do. All animals have to go threw what we call a pecking order. The dogs will decide which one is more dominant than the other!


• You let them decide that for themselves. If you try to interefere like you're saying you'll cause MORE issues.


• Nothing you can teach....they will know which one it is.


• no...dogs are like any other animal, they know who the alpha is at all times


• there is one thing that is an absolute truth about dogs, they are, or are not dominant. that is to say, if your new dogs personalty is dominant, then he will dominate your other dog all on his own, but if you try to train him to be something he is not, you will (a) cause your bishon to be aggressive towards the other dog (as he will see him as "stepping out of line") or (b) cause the other dog to become fearful, he will think you are being aggressive, or (c) he will see the other dog as not part of the pack, and therefor will treat him like a dog that doesn't belong, and your Bishon will feel abused, and inclined to run away, as he will feel that you have outcast him from his pack. also, your Bishon may feel as though the problem isn't that he is being 'too aggressive' he will feel that you are telling him he isn't being 'aggressive enough' and that also can cause problems.