My 8 yr old American Eskimo

Question
Hi Jill,
I have an 8 year old now neutered male American Eskimo, Nanook, who is quite protective.  I received a mixed female pomeranian,Coco, which I was told was neutered and found out the hard way when she was pregnant by Nanook.  I kept one female and one male (two year old) who are both neutered.  Nanook attacks his male son often. Even one night when he was asleep.  I have to separate them when I'm not home but now he's doing while I'm around. Would it make a big difference if I have the female pomeranian neutered?  Nanook does not like any male dogs even when Coco is not in heat. Please help. Carrying Dusty (son) on my shoulders around the house is getting really tiring.

Answer
The Pom NEEDS to be spayed! ASAP!  Nanook's "son" is far too close in temperament to his "father" and of course is MALE.  Nanook, even though now neutered, is "intact" in his behavior and proprietary interests.  Having an unspayed female in the house is setting him up for aggression toward any other male, especially one whose behavior (whether or not you perceive it) is a rank threat.  While the Pom is at the vet being spayed, put a house tab (long lightweight leash) on Nanook so you can remove him from any threatening behavior toward the other male without touching him (touch is a primary reward.)  Additionally, observe both males very closely in their interaction with one another AND with you.  Who goes through doorways first?  Who comes up to you first?  Who gets to the front door first when visitors enter?  THAT dog is the truly dominant one of the pair and should be treated as such.  I suspect this would be the younger, since Nanook is so obsessed with making rank statement, but my suspicions mean nothing: YOUR OBSERVATIONS will make this determination. Once you ABSOLUTELY KNOW who is who, feed THAT dog first; pet THAT dog first; greet THAT dog first, and be consistent.  Give both dogs clear signal that YOU, the TRUE Alpha, have control of your pack.  Also, using positive reinforcement training, separately teach both dogs one simple behavior they can perform on command with 100% success.  This will take at least 36 trials and then an additional 50 to 100 trials while they are in each other's company (following your demotion of one over the other.)  You need both these dogs to respond to your verbal command for a simple task (like "sit" and "stay") so that you have firmly put yourself at the head of your pack and can instantly defuse any behavior between these two that you do not like.  You might very well need the help of a credentialed behaviorist.  Do NOT hire some dog trainer with fake credentials; you will need an expert.  If this is the case, call the veterinary school closest to your home, even if it's several hundred miles away, and ask for a referral to a behavior specialist who can come to your home.  Both dogs need to be evaluated in their own environment.  Any further questions, don't hesitate to post.