Thanks for question.

There is ONE big point you're not conceptualizing: You can only affect your relationship with each dog. You can be dominant to both dogs. Or you can be dominant to only one dog. Or you can be viewed as Omega dog (the most submissive one) by both dogs.

However, you cannot control how your dogs view each other.

This is a topic I've written about in past issues of my e-zine. I'm going to reprint it for your benefit:

A subscriber wrote: "Thanks, Adam. I think I found answer. 'We determine who will be alpha dog.' Correct? "

My reply:

"No, no no!

You cannot do this! It's impossible!!!

The dogs' temperaments are inherent. Only you can determine if you're dominant to other dogs, by being MORE DOMINANT. But you cannot work it out for them.

You can control dogs' behaviors and not allow any scuffles if you:

-are alpha dog in pack. and you have voice control.

But as soon as you leave dogs together-- unsupervised-- and go out for dinner... all bets are off. The dominant one will still be dominant one.

Think of taking a group of four kids.

Kid#1 will grow up to be a Navy Seal, and then an Admiral. Kid#2 will grow up to be a fierce criminal defense attorney. Kid#3 will grow up to be a middle management executive for a large firm. Kid#4: will grow up to be a peace activist and a socialist.

Now, when you leave house every day for work, you may say, "Kid#4... you're in charge." And as long as you're around, Kid#4 may get privileges of being "so-called" top dog.

But as soon as you leave...

It's going to be a given that kid#3 and kid#4 are going to be bottom dogs, and kid #1 and kid#2 will scrap-it-out to see who is REALLY "top dog." Their genetics (and to some extent, upbringing-- depending upon their age) determines this. But it is toughest kid who will become group leader.

Even though kid #2 may be fairly tough in his own right, he will test kid#1... but will ultimately lose... as kid#1 is too tough.

Now, if kid#1 gets sick and has to stay in bed, then kid#2 becomes new kid#1.

In other words, "Alpha dog."

Until you get home. Then you're alpha dog, and he becomes beta dog.

Get it?

Beth, as far as you've described your dogs' interactions... it doesn't sound to me like you've got a problem. It sounds just like play, or perhaps some dominance scuffles. However, without seeing dogs in person it's impossible to tell for sure.

To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book (click below): Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer! http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

Look, I don't make rules. The dog is not a robot that you can suddenly say, "He's done" and expect him to act consistently for rest of his life. Like any relationship you have with another person, boundaries need to be established and maintained. The dog is like your wife or husband… they will eventually test you. :)

[Akeisha] Last question, how can dog not realize don't have it on since it feels a lot different than buckle? Its like my id around my neck at school I have gotten used to it but I do realize when it is off? Just for record I have no problem with pinches, many members in my 4-H club use them and they work great on right dog.

[ Adam: ] Because way you should be using pinch collar is that dog (since he has limited reason and logic) does not KNOW that it is pinch collar that allows you to give him good corrections. But it's more than pinch collar. If I put dog in a number of small yards, with no collar on ... and I'm able to chase him down and make him come back to me, if he doesn't come when I call... then dog will learn THE UNDERLYING PREMISE that I can make him do it, if he doesn't. So, pinch collar and long line make my job easier, but ultimately, dog knows (or he thinks at least) that I am a man of my word and when I tell him to do something: If he doesn't do it, I'm going to make him do it. And his life will be a lot more fun if he does it willingly. So dog starts to extrapolate this principle to other commands, too.

[Akeisha] Hope I am not being irritating I just like to know why certain trainers value certain methods over others since I love competing in obedience with my dog.

[Adam:] Keep training. -Adam.

Do you want to be able to take your dog anywhere, and KNOW that he'll listen to you... even if tempted by another dog, a cat, or even a piece of food??? Then check out: "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer: An Insider's Guide To The Most Jealously Guarded Dog Training Secrets In History!" By Adam G. Katz, Owner of South Bay K-9 Academy. For more information, go to: http://tinyurl.com/4efaq