new dog finding place in pack

[sansian]

We have just picked up a new pup from the pound (my wife is a ranger), a Staffy healer cross (female).

We have two other dogs a 14 year old silky terrier (male) and a two year old jack russel (female). The staffy and the jack russel appear to be trying to prove which one is the dominant one. Nothing too serious, every now and then one gets too violent, then there is some growling which all settles down.

Is there anyway to control the outcome of the dominance issue, as i dont want the new dog to become the dominant one. However, she is the bigger one so it may be a forgone conclusion.

 

[Maxy24]

Why don't you want the new one to be dominant? It's really their decision and you should respect it. I know you are supposed to place the dominant ones food down first and pet him before the others if they all come to greet you, I'm not sure what else you are supposed to do. I think trying to force one to be dominant could result in a bigger struggle between them. Let them work it out, what's the big deal if the new one is higher up in their pack?