dogs 'fighting' for pack order-- Help

[lauraess]

Here's a question on dogs establishing pack order: When one, who previously got rough but took the lower rung, is now getting much more aggressive (almost vicous)--- Do you let it play out? It seems as if our smaller and older dog is beginning to 'bow' to her, but when they are going at it it scares me and i stop them.

[shannon0218]

Are they hurting each other or have they ever?
If not, I'd let them play it out. Of course I dont' know what you mean when you say vicous....I'm used to bitches that can shred each other in 10 seconds with 5 adults standing there trying to break them up.

[lauraess]

They are not hurting eachother.... yet.. I have intervened the two times it happened and then my dh also did the first time. They just were not making really bad noises and being much meaner than usual.

We just picked them up from the kennel where we boarded them and that was difficult for them, I read that sometimes they do this when being away for some time and then returning.

Gracie is still a puppy and new to our family so i suspected she might continue to attempt to take the lead spot.

I also read that it's not good to intervene. That does make sense. do i need to restrain myself??

[thekimballs]

It can sound HORRIBLE and still be OK. As long as they are not hurting each other, I would let the action play out--but try to be wise about triggers like food and affection, especially around your kids.