Hi

I had a similar thing with my group of three dogs, but managed to sort it out and regain a little calm, but it wasn't easy, partly because I had to change the pack order, relgating an older established dog - who was there first, down the pack. It broke my heart, but restored peace!!

Firstly, you can do all the things that the others have said, as a way to reducing the number of 'spats' between the dogs, but it sounds like there has been a distinct change in your pack. Could it be that you are maybe not giving the dogs the exercise and stimulation that they have been used to - it isn't easy spending time walking and giving the dogs all your energies, when you a growing larger and tireder by the day!

Could it be that Max, the older dog, is beginning to slow down? or isn't as well as usual and that Pepper is picking up on his vulnerability?

Is there anything else that has changed within your group/family/daily routine? Have you given up work and are now spending more time at home?

If you can identify any of these, it may be the key to resolving the issues. Could it be that Max was alway 'top dog', although Pepper had the odd challenge, but it is now changing, or is it that Pepper was always top - sometimes the dog that makes the least noise is the pack leader, as they don't have to assert themselves in any way other than body language and looks!!!

Before you do anything, I would suggest you look carefully at all the above and then put some basics in place in the home. Split the bedding areas, reduce the attention the dogs get. Feed in different areas of the kitchen - you 'gesture eating' before the dogs and restrict their movements within the house. You will probably find that you will have to start reducing the attention anyway, in preparation for the new baby and maybe need to think about restricting where they freely move around the house and it is better to do all these now rather than when the baby comes.

Once you have done this, see how the dogs are behaving, remembering it may get a little worse before it gets better. Then you plan the next move and whether you have to 'up' one dog and 'relagate' the other.

Best of luck and I am sure harmony will be restored!

Kate