Advice in preventing fights

[Caitydid255]

When I purchased Freyja I did so with the understanding that both her dam and sire were assertive dogs. The breeder even introduced me to two of her siblings from previous litters that were on the property. Both dogs were extremely friendly but had been too much for their owners to handle and had been returned. From the first day I brought her home I began socializing her and have practiced NILIF. We've attended multiple doggy play-dates, gone on shopping adventures and spend weekends up at my Fiance's parents house, where she frolics with his mother's two dogs, multiple cows and greets the multiple visitors to the house. She has excelled in each situation.

I am currently living with my parents as I save up for a place of my own. My mother has a rescue collie who we think is 6 years old. He has always been a very submissive dog. But one day he started growling and showing teeth to Freyja whenever she entered the room. My father and I would scold him and would separate the dogs. One day as they were outside he snapped at Freyja as she ran past and she wheeled around and went on the offensive. Before I could physically get to the fight it was over. No blood but since then there has been no question that Freyja is now the alpha dog of the house...at 6 months of age.

This weekend, a similar situation occurred, My fiance's mom has a two year old Brittney spaniel, terrier mix. The dog is very submissive but when outside gets very rough in play. She likes to bite the heels of the other dogs as they run, which is the reason I don't let them out together. Somehow the small dog was let out into the yard with Freyja and Angus. We don't know exactly what happened but suddenly there was a full on dog fight between Freyja and the small mixed dog. My fiance broke up the fight and everyone involved was scolded. Once again there was no blood and Freyja came out on top.

My concern is that now the only dog that is currently dominant over Freyja is Angus, my Fiance's dog. Right now they are best friends, and do everything together and my fiance and I encourage their friendly behavior. Angus is known as the benevolent king, he lets the other dogs do as they wish, but maintains his status. Freyja seems to accept her position, but I am worried that she will try to push the envelope and wish to avoid a fight. As of tomorrow she will be 7 months old, and already has three dominance struggles under her belt that she has won. Any suggestions on how to prevent a future fight or am I just being paranoid?

[onyx'girl]

I wouldn't let her have so much freedom around other dogs. If she is ok with Angus and their relationship is sound she will probably be kept in her position. If you see her start challenging then it would be best to keep her separated for everyones safety.
I have two females that get along for the most part, but now and then the submissive one will challenge or not back down when the dominant one is showing her attitude. I diffuse the situation by redirecting them or sending them to different areas. They really only act up when I am around, it is a bit of resource guarding on the dominant dog that causes it.
Just keep watching the body language and interactions, it is best to be on guard, but not paranoid.