female dominance

Question
Our 18 month old spayed female chocolate attacks the our 91/2 year old neutered male border mix when they come in from outside.  She comes in first and when he comes in she attacks him.  He will also do it on the top of stairs on the way up to the bedroom.  I am sure it is a dominance thing, but if the border wants a toy that is thrown he will bark and growl and she won't go near it.  When they play fight he usually gets the best of her, but tires quick.

On a completely different subject.  She also eats his poop if we don't pick it up first.

Any advice on either or both?
Thanks

Answer
If you give them strong leadership, they will get along better.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  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

More diligence cleaning up after him is the best solution. You can try adding pineapple juice, cnned pumpkin, deter, or Forbid to his food.