it does seem counter-intuitive, unless you happen to be a dog.. that's the way they settle dominant roles in a pack. No, we are not advocating abusing the dogs, just simply reminding them that the owner is alpha. The dogs will still settle their own pecking order, but that reminder that you're top dog is enough to keep them from doing harm to each other in sorting it out. Also, it helps to reinforce that when you give a command for them to obey, or there are negative consequences. Truth be told, when I bite my dog, it's not enough to leave a bruise, much less break skin... It's not often, just once in a great while when they need a reminder for acting out. Besides, dog fur isn't easy to get out my mouth lol. Only ever had to bite luk one time and he knew who was alpha, but he was a Chow/lab.. with Chow character. Stubborn as the day is long, but equally loyal. Gwen and Chance (wife wants to call him Cain now, I don't like it though but whatever) are getting along better.. they're getting within 18" of each other face to face, so I guess Gwen is getting accustomed to him.. she did scare him away from his food after she wolfed hers down this morning.. chance, though bigger than her, wants nothing to do with her aggression (though it's because she's scared of him, or wants to be above him).. I'm near certain he doesn't have a mean bone in his body... He's sensitive, if you will... skittish. Loud or unexpected noise, he's surprised and backing off. I'm not sure what prior people that had him treated him like, but I'll bet they tied him out, or stuck him in the kennel & limited people interaction. (Certainly never walked, or trained) Part of the reason I decided to take him in. Heck, when the people we got him from asked where the dog was... Oh well we let him out, I'm sure where he is.. smdh. 
no way to treat any pet.
