compatability issues

Question
We have a 3 and a half year old black lab that we've had since he was a puppy.  2 days ago we rescued a boxer and have had 3 incidents of aggression between the 2 dogs.  It seems to involve something like possession of a rawhide bone.  The aggression has been a little scary in that it is somewhat fierce.  Neither dog has been hurt, but I did break it up one time and had couple of surface cuts (minor).  The boxer was in a shelter for 2 weeks and seems somewhat shy and his tail which was not docked is down most of the time thus far.  He is very calm overall and affectionate.  Our lab is pretty mellow and gets along with most dogs.  He has never really been an aggressor.  Could you provide with any advice regarding this situation.  It is important that these 2 are compatible.

Thank you so much

David

Answer
Sometimes even the most experienced dog owners fail in making 2 dogs of the same sex get along.  If either one isn't neutered, it is essential to do so.  It alone likely won't solve the problem, and certainly not right away.  You are going to have to provide better leadership.

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

If you are top dog, then they have less to compete for and must defer to your peacekeeping.  

I would take the rawhide away from both.  The pet stores are full of toys that many dogs will quickly chew up into pieces they could choke on or cause intestinal blockages.  If you are not there to watch, stick to sturdy stuff such as Nylabones and Kongs.  Keep a close eye on chew toys and quickly discard anything that is coming apart in pieces.  Rawhide is especially bad because it swells after being swallowed. I don't trust any of the consumable chews.  The dogs just gnaw them down to a dangerous size too quickly.  These problems are the worst with, but not limited to, large, aggressive chewers such as Labs.

Ropes from the pets' store quickly turn to hazardous shreds.   Ones I made lasted much better.   Go to a hardware or home center that sells rope by the foot.  Buy 2' of 3/4" poly rope.   Melt the ends, and tie  knots in it.   Get them as tight as possible, put it in a vise and pound it with a hammer.  Watch carefully, and be ready to discard when it comes apart.