Hello! Ok, here's my issue. I have a 14 year old lab who's been in the family 12 years. About 2 years ago I got my own dog, Ember, a now 2 1/2 year old Border Collie/Cattle Dog and possibly Dalmation mix. Very recently (as in, in the last 2 months), Ember has begun guarding me from Tasha, and she has also begun showing resource guarding behavior with the cats and even other human family members. I know part of the problem is I simply have not been able to be as active as we both need to be- she's definately better when she goes out for a long hike or bike ride. However, tonight she latched on to Tasha's throat and seemed to nearly get to the point when she wouldn't let go. I stepped in before the fight escalated, but I need help 'devaluing' myself (gr, hate saying that!).

Time outs aren't much of an option. I live with my parents (I'm 19) and they do not want to install baby gates. Ember is not crate trained. I do my best to pay attention to the older dog first. Tasha gets fed first, pet first, greeted first when I come home, etc. I will also start making more of an effort to walk her first.

Basically, I need help getting the assertive/agressive behavior in check. I'm not so much worried about Ember as I am Tasha, who's body is slowly starting to give out. Any tips or ideas would be very much appreciated. I'd like to say moving out was an option, but sadly it isn't just yet. I'm going to talk to another trainer where I work and get some ideas from her if I see her.

Thanks again everyone! If there are any details you need at all, please ask!

Oh, a little P.S.- Ember is absolutely fine when I am not home.

I think you've hit the nail on the head - Ember thinks she's the boss, and therefore can do what she likes. Training both dogs to behave at your command will re-establish you as the boss.

In terms of fights - Ember has to know this is not acceptable, so a good firm "no" or "leave it" is essential. I've also found squirting water will shock into stopping the behaviour - as long as you have something to squirt with handy!

And you're right - a bored energetic dog will find more time to make mischief - so long walks or training games will help, hiding food and doing "find" will keep a brain active if you can't get out.

Hope that helps...

oh - one other thing - ignore BOTH dogs when you get home. Completely. When they're lying down and are calm, then you approach and give attention - it's a good way of creating and keeping dominance over your pack!

Sounds like ember wants to be yours alone. Sounds like you have to be more observant of ember's behavior. You have to take note of her body language just before she exerts authority over tasha. This is when you need to step in an defuse the tension.
I am not sure what you mean by fed first. I would feed dogs at the same time. I would make sure that Ember does not steal tasha's food.

Thanks for the feedback! I do ignore both of the dogs when I come home. I make a point to take my dear sweet time doing stuff before saying hi. Water wouldn't work on my dog- she thinks water is the next best thing to a ball. I hadn't thought about training games, though. I 'll have to start.

I do watch Ember extremely closely. I typically step in the moment things go from play to serious. I just wasn't that quick this time. I feed them both around the same time, but Tasha's bowl is on the ground first, and they both wait for my go-ahead before they eat. When I am home, Ember does not steal Tasha's food (though she will try).

Are there any other ideas?? I'm trying to find an agility club at least somewhat close to my house that'll teach beginners, but is there anything else you guys might be able to think of?

Agility class with Ember will only show Ember you belong to her. I think agility and or obedience classes is great so, do not mis-undestand my suggestion.
I am thinking by placing a leash on Ember routinely you might be able to teach Ember calmness around Tasha.
For example with a leash on Ember send both dog outside, hold Ember back as tasha would exit first. Same actions for entering the house.
Maybe with leash on Ember there are other ways to show Ember to be gentle with Tasha?

Hm... I already make Ember wait for Tasha when she goes in and outside... I'll have to see how else I could incorporate the leash... If you get any ideas, let me know. Thanks soooo much for all the help!!