Socializing dogs with other dogs
I have 3 dogs since their individual puppyhood. All are neutered/spayed. One male is 10 yrs. And was dominate until his front leg was amputated. One female is 8-9yrs. She is beta and non-confrontational, but she is loyal to the only the male. The last is 4 yrs. We introduced the 4 yr. old slowly, and since day one she has wanted to be the leader of the pack. She at first was mostly ignored. As she got older and stronger she was humped regularly by the older female. While she is still the smallest, she is the most aggressive. She kills rats in the barn, and tries hard to kill rabbits. Until yesterday, any disagreements as to who is boss was settled with a lot of yelling and showing of teeth. The young one doesn't want to buckle under. She yells back and comes back for more when she is let up. Yesterday, she and the older female really fought and drew blood on both sides. I barely managed to get them apart. The older female stopped and came to me when I called her and I got her out of the fenced yard. Right now the 4 yr. old is tied to the outside of the fence with her own house etc. on a 30 foot lead. I am scared to put them together, and I am looking for advice. I do not wish to surrender her, but I have no place to keep her apart on a permanent basis, and I'm worried about what could happen if I am not home. I have seen both females blocking the pet door and keeping the other female out. They have the basement which is warm in winter and cool in summer. There are also 3 dog houses outside. I have scolded both for blocking the door. This time it instigated a fight. Any ideas on how to work this out?
Comment on Aurora_Bell's post
Excellent link,lots of good suggestions and informative post.