Gundog Training Forum

Hi, it's been a while since I posted but would be grateful of some advice. I have took on a 7month old un neutered ess (max) that was on his way to a dog shelter. He has had no training and has some separation issues, these Im happy to deal with. What I need help with is he is constantly battling for alpha with my neutered nearly 4 ess (Charlie) who with early problems has turned into a fantastic dog so I'm pleased I put so much effort in.charlie can't be left alone without pup constantly pestering him, the dominance signs the pup is showing are trying to get in Charlie's bed, walking around and putting his head on Charlie's back, licking of genital area. Charlie has warned him which has gone as far as max submitting on his back and running to crate for escape but he then continues to challenge. Can this be sorted or is it a problem that will escalate? I have currently had max for 3 days, I don't want to pass him on but this issue needs resolving, Thanks in advance and I welcome further questions.

At a guess he is just attention seeking, especially if Charlie is ignoring him (and hoping he will go away! ) let C sort it out unless you feel things are getting completely out of hand in which case just pop the pup in his crate to calm down and give Charlie a break. I wouldn't leave them together unless someone is around to keep an eye on things but otherwise it all sounds fairly normal behaviour and should sort itself out once Charlie decides that Max is here to stay.
Dominance has nothing to do with it at 7 months old - he is just fooling around trying to get attention from the older dog who is used to being on his own and will take a while to get the idea that he is sharing you from now on.

Agree with Judy...not that she needed any support.