I have two re-housed female German Shepherds. Meg is desexed 3 yrs old who came at 7 months old with hangups from an unfortunate first home. Tawny is 18 months old who came at 7 months old after being tried as a show dog. They have lived together with me for one year. Both are now basically obedience trained.
Inside the house they are good friends. They happily eat, sleep and chew bones next to each other but outside is so different. When they play Meg becomes very rough and aggressive towards Tawny, who yelps. When I return from work - if Meg doesn't jump on Tawny first, Tawny runs over and submits to Meg, waiting to be roughed up. I guess this is their pecking order but it sounds very painful.
Outside the house when I direct them to do anything, Meg obeys while Tawny immediately looks at Meg as if seeking her permission. Meg seems to be her alpha and not me.
