2 behavioral questions, please.

Question
Hi Chris!  I've picked up 2 female dogs from the pound but I know all about them as I know the family who unfortunately had to bring them there.  A couple of behavioral questions for you.  I think I am noticing some signs of food aggression and top dog issues.  They are both females.  One is an 11 yr old S. Husky (1/4 wolf)named Alaska.  She is a little arthritic and very low key. I think she may be going deaf (or she is just not that into me - yet!). I will take her to the vet.  The other female is a 6-yr old German Shepherd named Piper.  She is very friendly, intelligent, and of course, has more energy.  Although they have been with each other for all of Piper's life, the family always had Alaska separated.  Let me give some background.  The family originally had 3 dogs - these 2 females and one male golden retriever.  The Retriever got adopted right away so now there are 2.  So the alpha male is now gone, and he was the one who wanted to always mount Alaska and was why she was always kept separate.  First question:  Piper keeps following Alaska around the yard.  Even when Alaska is trying to urinate or deficate.  She is always sniffing  her behind - beyond the typical "hello, how are you."  She runs to catch up to Alaska and sort of nips - maybe just play?  But for sure, Piper is the  "give me all the attention" and rushes as I start to pet Alaska.  I'm sure you get it.  Now Piper and I bonded immediately and I know we are great together but I love Alaska and wanted to give her remaining years good ones full of love and care so I give as much attention as she allows me to.  Second question:  I've started noticing that Piper was eating most of the food - from both bowls.  Alaska is a slow eater and only eats about 1/2 of what Piper eats.  They have been used to the "bowl out all day method."  I've started hearing Alaska bark at Piper when she comes to her bowl as if defending her food.  Sooooo....I've started making some changes but of course would like to know if I am on the right track and / or hear your suggetions.  This is what I've done so far.  I know feed them twice a day - once in the am when I get up, (one scoop), and they have an hour to finish.  I separate them.  Then I feed them again after their late afternoon walk.  Another scoop for Piper, a few nuggets for Alaska as she eats less.  I make Piper sit when I lower her bowl also until I it touches the ground.  I've started giving obedience treats during walks and while doing this feeding Alaska in front of Piper and Piper has come to understand quickly now that Alaska has her food and it is fine.  Piper knows she should not eat from Alaska's bowl although not perfected yet.  The one thing I've noticed is that Alaska does not eat much in the am so I'm thinking of letting her have most of her meal at night.  I also don't think she likes the new bowl.  I will switch to ceramic from the plastic.  She is used to ceramic.  As far as the sniffing, Piper comes whenever I call her but of course I cant see what goes on when I am not at home.  I have a dog run but Piper seems to always find a way out.  They both seem to do fine in the large yard all day.  They seem to have transitioned well other than the those points I mentioned.  The previous family said they will chew up the blankets and other things but so far they have not chewed any blankets whatsoever in the 3 weeks I've had them.  Piper chewed the corner of an old cushion 3 days after I had them (happend to be the day I didnt take them for a walk) but ever since our 'bad girl talk' she has not chewed anything else.  But then again I've not missed their walk either!  One final comment, one time I was playing with both dogs and I patted the blanket.  Piper came and threw herself down and i was petting her.  Now Alaska wanted to join in and was making her way toward my son (Alaska comes alive with the kids!) and so she I guess made the mistake of stepping over Piper to get to the other side and Piper was up and on top of her growling in a flash.  But Piper does listen when Alaska barks at her about her food.  So who is winning this alpha dog war?  Many, many thanks for your time!  I appreciate all your wisdom.  Veronica.

Answer
From what I'm understanding, these two dogs have had a relationship before coming to your home.  As far as who will be "alpha" in your home now is not something I think requires a lot of concern on your part, as long as there is no bloodshed or actual all-out fighting.  These dogs aren't strangers to each other.  There will be some natural stress associated with a "new" home and new routines, but these should work themselves out.


You don't indicate whether this is the first time you've owned two dogs at one time, so I'm including some information on living in a multiple-dog household.

http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/PreventingAggression.pdf
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/BreakingupDogFights.pdf
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/CanineConfrontations.pdf
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/MultipleDogs.pdf
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/Behavior/Handouts/CanMyDogPlay.pdf
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/canine-rivalry.pdf