Is it ok for one puppy to dominate the other?

I have two four months old maltese cross shitzu. They are two brothers. One is dominating the other and eats his meat. Do I have to interve or not and how? He also has done poos 3 times in my bedroom and I think it is because I had intervened, I let him eat first but did not allow him to eat the other one's food. He also digs and doesn't seem to stop even though I tell him off when I see him and restrict his play area. I do not allow them to go in the children's rooms, nor mine and was wondering if they would behave better if they were actually allowed?????
Posted: 14/02/2008

Answer: Is it ok for one puppy to dominate the other?
It sounds to me as if HE thinks he rules the house! Defiantly get in to weekly training sessions at your local club. This would be something that you and your kids should actively engage in as it will help both the puppies to learn basic obedience and form the bond within their ?pack?. It?s ok to feed them separately, possibly feed the dominate puppy last. But make sure they eat ONLY after you have eaten! It natural for one pup to be more dominate than the other. As long as no physical harm is involved it should be ok, just keep a eye on it. The poo?s may simply be due to simply having to defecate more than expected. It is rare for a dog to defecate in its ?den? so I would tend to think more frequent trips to the back yard would be required. Be sure to praise the puppy with some treats we he defecates in the right area. Defiantly look in to weekly training and get the whole family involved. The benefits will be endless.
Posted: 07/03/2008