I vote for let the Alpha take the toys. Ringo was a very jealous Alpha Male and he established that right away. Well, and we already knew that. Had I tried to force him into a 'lower' position - I don't think he could have tolerated another dog in the house. Lucy is pretty submissive to him - although she initiates all the play - and he is very tolerant of her pawing at his face and juking all around him.
As it is now - it seems like different things are important to them. Lucy takes most of the toys and right of his mouth. He's just not that interested.
She leads on our walks because he likes to go really slow and sniff everything.
But, if there were bones lying around (there aren't); Ringo would take them and Lucy would let him. Food/bones are more important to Ringo. That said, I can't let him take her food - so we feed separately and keep an eye out.
He has ONE favorite toy and whenever she gets it and parades around with it - he takes it right out of her mouth. She lets him.
It seems to me that they have worked out what's what. Had I intervened too much in the beginning - Ringo would have been in a jealous rage all the time - and would have taken his frustration out on Lucy.
__________________  Mommy to Lucy, Ringo, and Matthew |