Expert: Jannie Balliett - 9/4/2008

Question
We have a father (Tank) & son (Jack)Tank the father is almost 4yrs old and Jack the son just turned 1 this past May. About 3 weeks ago Tank started growling (real low) at Jack when Jack would be eating. Tank wasn't wanting to eat, he would just go in and stand next to Jack and do this real low growl, you really couldn't hear it, just tell by the way Jack would walk away and the way Tanks body was moving. We would make sure that we had Tank outside when we feed Jack and the same when we feed Tank we would put Jack outside. Then last week I received a phone call at work and was told that there was a dog fight and blood everywhere. I sent my son home to check on his dogs. I also as a friend that lives in town to run over and check on them. They had some bites on them. Tank had gotten Jack by the back of the neck and his ears. While Tank had a bite on his head. We took them to the vet, and my son took Jack out to his house. Now we have to pick Jack back up. We will keep them in two different pens. We don't know if the neighbor next door is trowing bones in the backyard or what caused this, My son told her to stop giving them food, bones or anything, we have them a dog food only. Could it be age, (there's not a female in heat or anything)any suggestions we would like to be able to go to the park to run and play like we have in the past with them.
Any help would be great.

Answer
Let me get these facts straight:

1) father Tank is 4 years old
2) son Jack is 1 year old
3) recent past 3 weeks- the father Tank started growling a low growl (which is a "warning" to Jack) at Jack, over his food/food bowl
4)Tank and Jack fought-- Tank got Jack by back of neck (which Tank was obviously the aggressor) and Jack bite Tank on the head in defense.

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A low growl is a "warning" sign to the other dog (Jack) to back off- displaying his dominance and "alpha" position.

Parent dogs always demand to eat first, as the "elders" and the "dominate" before the pups, i.e. children.

Tank is an "alpha" and insists on being the dominate alpha to Jack.

Two males is a "pack" and Tank is the alpha and trying to maintain his position as the alpha, as the alpha can be challenged by another male at any time.

Another female dog in heat in the neighborhood has nothing to do with this issue.

This is a "pack" issue.

Apparently, son Jack is maturing and displaying some challenges for alpha and Tank is not hearing of it.

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The only thing(s) you can do is NEVER leave them alone together! EVER!

Make arrangements to keep them separate while at work.

When you are at home evenings and weekends (or whatever schedules) you must put each one inside a separate crate. The crate must be big, for large breeds.

Tank has his crate. Jack has his. Be sure to let them out to pee and get a drink before crating them while you are gone.

Upon returning home, let them out ---- supervised, and outside in the backyard to pee. Supervised.

You must be referee and trainer now.

Each and every time Tank growls, barks, displays ANY aggressions toward Jack-- you MUST reprimand him instantly and consistently.

Use a stern voice, and use easy to understand simple commands for this.

Be consistent and never let it slide.

If Tank continues, put him inside his own crate separate from Jack and family. Continue to verbally reprimand him using the stern voice.

Let him remain crated for tweny (20) minutes before letting him out.

Continue this for as long as necessary.