introducing dog to another

Question
We have just got a 2year old golden retreiver who is not happy with our 5year old one, they are both boys. 5 year old one is fine but 2 year old one keeps growling and fiercely biting him if they get opportunity to be together. what do you suggest we do?

Answer
It is tough to sort these things out over the net.  The younger one may just want to play. Here is a link to a picture of a couple of younger dogs happy to have a chance to play together, http://www.photolocker.net/images/Labman/gretchenandellaplaying.jpg

The older dog could also be telling the younger one that he is in charge, and sniff my butt.  There are many subtle ways you may not see them competing in, until the younger dog has had all it can take and growls.  This could esculate as the younger dog matures over the nest year.  If they bothhave a high drive for dominance, you may not be able to keep them.   

Best thing is to neuter them if not already and then take over as leader.   Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm