[QuickSilver]

Very interesting. I've always wondered about going through doors first. I actually prefer for Thor to go first so I can make sure he doesn't get crushed when it swings closed. However, I've noticed that he usually defers and tries to let me go first.

I think it maybe simply be the discipline of telling the dog what to do - go first, go second, it's a rule you are enforcing.

Also, when I dogsat with Thor and another dog, while that dog did not aggressively display dominance, he did insist on walking in front of Thor. It was kind of funny. Thor would get very upset when this other dog passed him, but he wouldn't have the nerve to move ahead. During the walk, he would make periodic attempts to regain his position, but the other dog would just hip-check him and he'd move back into line.