Hi
I currently have a 4 month boxer pup called Harry and an 18 month boxer called Charlie.
To begin with Charlie let Harry get away with murder and would tolerate him swinging on his cheeks and constantly play biting. Then when Harry got to 3 months, Charlie had enough and started to grumble when Harry stepped out of line (which my breeder said was perfectly normal as Charlie had to show him who top dog is) Then suddenly the roles seem to switch, Harry pinches Charlies food and if Charlie goes to stop him Harry growls and snaps at him and Charlie lets him!!
I have also seen Harry pinch charlies toys and Charlie does nothing about it. I now don not know what to do with them, should i intervene or leave them to sort it out themselves?

You have a couple of options. 1. You can feed them seperatly. Only leave the food on the ground while they are eating and do not give them this opportunity. If they have the chance to do this and the younger dog is not corrected, it is going to get worse as the younger dog gets older and it most likely won't just be with food. So the other choice is teaching your dog "no" You can not let this behavior happen. You need to be the alpha and show the younger dog that he is not allowed to behave like this. This is going to provide you with the long term solution. If the dog knows "no" you will be able to use it in other situations. I am not a fond believer in obedience training a puppy that is only 4 months old, they are usually not mature enough, but the two commands that they must learn ASAP are "no" and "come" Tey to use positive re-enforcemnet as much as possible. However, the fact they they have been allowed to act this way you might need to use a little correction. Just make sure that if you have to use corrective methods that you praise the dog a lot as soon as they comply.

I suggest that you feed tham seperately, either in different rooms or at opposite ends of the kitchen. I had a similar problem with my boxer pup muscling in on the older boxer's food. Now they are both trained to "wait" until each has finished eating and then they can go and check out the bowls.

My older boxer will allow the youngster to take her toys but, if he pushes her buttons too hard, she will let him know who is really boss in no uncertain terms. They will probably sort out the pecking order quite well for themseves.

It is interesting that the dominance thing seems to fluctuate between my two. Outside the bitch is clearly in charge, whereas indoors it can seesaw a bit. But when push comes to shove the older one rules.

Is your older dog castrated? If not do you plan to have them both done? Sometimes it can be wise to have one only castrated so the heirarchy is quite clear and the neutered dog will happily accept that the entire dog is the boss. If they are both entire, or both neutered it is possible that real fighting could ensue. This is not inevitable, many entire dogs live quite happily together, but it is something to bear in mind.

I do feel it is important though to get the food issue sorted asap.

Hi
Thanks for your replies. My older boy Charlie has been castrated and obviously Harry hasn't because of his age. I didn't really want to get Harry castrated so perhaps it will be best if i don't get him done and see how i get on.