I have three GSP's, all 2 and a bit yo. I have a boy and a girl, both born June 2006, from the same litter and another boy born in August 2006. These guys are pets, not working dogs, though they're all excellent ratters. I live on 2 1/2 acres, most of which is rainforest. The property is fenced with an Innotek fence. These guys are constantly on the move and get plenty of exercise. They have all had basic training (sit, drop, come, heel) but no advanced training.

The older boy is the alpha dog. In the past couple of months he has taken to attacking the other two with no provocation and no warning. It started out only every few weeks and never when I was around (and I normally always am). The frequency of attacks has been increasing to almost weekly now. I had to go away last week so they were in a boarding kennel. He attacked one of the others every night. My girl has come back from the kennel with a nasty gash on the side of her face. Last night he had a go at her right in front of me. She did nothing to provoke it as she was asleep.

I thought I was doing everything right but obviously I am doing something wrong here. He is the first for everything. The first through doors, the first to be fed, the first to get cuddles. I punish him for this behaviour by locking him in the bathroom for half an hour. I do this because I heard that timeouts are the most effective punishment for this breed due to their clinginess.

I need to resolve this before it escalates. Apart from this he is the most beautifully natured animal. Just half an hour ago he was cleaning the wound he gave her. The advice I have received so far is to get rid of him but I refuse to do that. I am happy to take all suggestions on board and provide any extra information you may need.

Hi Carrie

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly.

All three are fixed so I don't think it's a hormonal issue.  I'm tending to agree with you regarding the effectiveness of time outs though so I think I'll stop doing that.  I'lll definitely try your trick for breaking them up.  It does conflict with other advice I have been given in that you should never treat the alpha dog as anything but #1 but I have read so much conflicting information lately I don't know what to believe.  If it has worked for you that's good enough for me.  I'm also going to start the one on one special time.

Sylvester was never like this (named after Stallone ... big, boofy and not too bright) until recently.  He was always a gentle giant (at 40kg well and truly oversized).  Daphne is only 28kg so I'm really concerned with the size difference he could cause some serious damage.

Hi Francine

Sorry, I was talking only in relation to the dogs.  I am #1, my partner is #2, Sylvester #3, Daphne & Isaac #4 & #5.

Those three have a charmed life where they get to play all day ... and they do.  My partner and I seachanged up here to the Daintree Rainforest which is when we got the first 2.  A local breeder asked us to take on the third one so we did.  I'm not convinced he's pure bred but he has the most adorable temperament.  Eats everything in sight and is getting a bit fat and lazy though.  I'm no longer working (retired at 36 ... don't ask me how, I just got lucky) so I get to spend all day with them.  I play with all three for at least an hour each day and for the rest of the time they know I am there and it keeps them happy and under control.  They run a lot while playing with rope toys, the large one's that all three can grab at the same time, they stalk birds ... haven't caught any yet and take care of the local rat population.  In short, they're kept well entertained and are always supervised.

I'll get on to the nails.

Shane

I second what Katie said.  I was actually wondering the same thing about whether your male is the true alpha or a wanna be.  I have three GSPs and my quiet female is the true alpha in my pack.  She just is in charge and no one messes with her.  Most folks think she is the submissive one when they see my dogs together.  I call her my quiet alpha for obvious reasons.

I would also recommend a book call The Other End of the Leash by animal behaviourist, Dr. Patricia McConnell.  It is an easy read and will give you a new perspective on dog/dog and dog/human communication.  She also talks allot about behaviour issues as well. 

Finally, keep us posted on how things progress.

Thank you for your replies.  You gave me a lot of food for thought when I got up this morning.  What you say makes sense but I need to digest it more before I comment further.  I'm still trying to get my head around everything 4 hours later.  I think I'll most likely be back shortly with a long list of questions.

Shane

I want to thank all of you for your suggestions. I immediately put into place three of them and am happy to say that Sylvester is once again the happy, loyal and obedient dog he once was. The change in only three weeks is remarkable. The changes we made are:

- We started treating Daphne as the dominant dog. I had thought she was prior to these problems arising but had been advised that a bitch cannot be dominant. I guess I should have trusted my instincts on this. She is also a happier dog as a result.

- No matter whether it was barking at passing traffic (the road is 100m away and they can't see it) or ignoring my commands, whenever he played up I forced him into a submissive pose in lieu of the time-outs. He is getting zero leeway and really seems to be benefiting from the structure.

- When we have to leave them at home alone he is kept separate from the others. I don't think this is required any more but after what he did to her when they were at the kennel I just don't want to take the risk. I've included a photo of the damage so you can see why.

So once again thank you. You have defused a potentially explosive situation and getting rid of him would have broken my heart.

Shane

Shane -

I am so happy things are working out for you and the dogs.  It is amazing when they know who is boss. 

My breeder told me a long time ago that with shorthairs the bitch is often dominant.  It is certainly true with my three (2 females and 1 male), and it is apparently also true with your pack.

Keep up the good work and keep us posted how things progress.