Rivalry amongst Dogs

Dogs also feel emotions. It is easier to find rivalry and jealousy amongst dogs of the same gender, size, temper and age. They can fight over bones, resting places or the master's attention.

Dogs are not able to share desirable objects, so each dog should have his own bed and food bowl, although they can share the same water bowl. In some dominant breeds such as the Doberman, there is more rivalry amongst brothers and sisters than in other breeds. Between two male dogs that live together, it might be necessary to castrate the weakest one to enlarge the difference between them.

Disputes over Positions
The objects that provoke most of the fights amongst members of the same litter are bones. Avoid possible problems by not giving any bone, or giving them to them in separate rooms. No matter how many bones you give your dogs, a dog will always want the bone of the other dog.

Avoid Visual Contact
Reduce their rivalry feeding them at the same time, but placing them in opposite directions. Each dog should know he will receive a food reward if he is able to eat next to the other dog without fighting. Give the first food bowl to the dominant dog.

Mutual Rewards
If your dogs have similar personalities and it is not clear which is the dominant one, give them both an order and reward them at the same time. Thus, they will learn to obey in the presence of the other.

Congratulate the Dominant One First
In the canine world the concept of democracy doesn't exist. If your dogs let you know which one is the leader, you will have to recognize this hierarchy by congratulating the dominant one first and then the others. This will make the dominant one not exercise his authority too much.

Jealousy
Even though most dogs will end up accepting another dog at home, there can be some jealousy at first. Reduce the problems by incorporating the new one to the routine of the older dog.

Give as much attention as you can to the oldest dog in the presence of the newer one; the older one will soon associate the puppy with pleasant activities.

When the puppy is absent, don't pay much attention to the older one. This way, the older dog will learn to associate the presence of the puppy with more of your attention.

Give the Older Dog a Break
Puppies can be fun but also exasperating. The older dog might end up tired of the constant noise of the younger one. Therefore, it might be a good idea to place a low fence so the older dog can get away from the puppy.