What do I need to do?

Your younger Dane is at the age where she is going to try and take a dominant position over the other pack members - obviously your Basset is less dominant than your other Dane, so that is where she is starting. To be able to keep the two females together peaceably, you're going to have to implement a no-tolerance regime in your home. Meaning - the 14 month old Dane cannot do anything without your authority. Definitely not being on the couch/furniture - that gives her a dominant position - and I imagine the Basset cannot just jump on anything it wants to (most aren't that agile). The Dane eats last, goes out the door last, gets her treats last, and if you're petting the Basset, and the 14 month old Dane wants to interrupt, then she gets corrected and you continue petting and encouraging the Basset - repeatedly telling the Dane to back off if she pushes and physically stopping her form getting your contact until you are ready. All these little signs are going to start sending a clear signal that you are the boss, the Basset is next in line (obviously, your other Dane is also dominant to the younger one) and the 14 month old is last on the totem pole. Dogs can deal with this, and the behavior she is exhibiting means she does not respect the pack she's in - and she is a danger to not only the Basset, but to other dogs she thinks she can take dominance over.

She has to have a good sit, down and stay - something you have to work on immediately - and she should never be allowed to boss around the other dogs, or push your kids around - she should be reprimanded for doing so (pushing past someone running up the stairs, shoving her body into someone, being pushy for treats, bolting out the door in front of someone). It's easier to prevent than correct - so set her up, be ready for her to act inappropriately - have her on leash - and then set her up - start petting your Basset and if she goes towards it, she gets a leash correction and you continue to pet the Basset (or whatever sets her off) - do this until she relaxes - then praise her verbally, a small pet - and then release her - but watch her - she's probably going to go towards the Basset to try and dominate her - if she does, start the exercise all over again.

It is controllable - the next year will determine how she fits in as a pack member. It will get easier - she is just turning into a dominant dog, so it's best to keep her under very strict control.

Good Luck

Either the 14mo Dane or the Hound has gotta go. Otherwise, it's a matter of time before your Bassett gets killed, and then, having been warned by your vet, you'll feel absolutely awful. And the Bassett will feel, well, dead.

You've said yourself that keeping them separated is easier said than done, and you know from experience that you don't have the physical strength to separate them before great damage is done. Training them that "you're the alpha" is a big undertaking and not one that you can trust when you're not home.

I don't think your kids are in danger unless the dog has shown aggression toward them.

If you can't find a Great Dane rescue, find a home for the Bassett. Sure you'll miss her, but you'll know you did the right thing.

You could always try taking the dog to obedience training.

You could also buy the electric indoor boundaries for the 2 danes and for the basset. that is likely to keep them in their own part of the house away from each other. Also, Great danes are large and usually not indoor dogs (at least not all the time) What about keeping the danes outside and only bringing them in to sleep at night or something? this aggression may be a result of the large puppy not having a proper release for all of that energy. he needs to be out where he has room to run as much as he wants. Just walking thes large dogs wont get the job done, especially for such a young dog.

This is probably manageable, but not curable.

I've had dogs that fought before. In the heat of the moment you just want to kill one or both of them. But if you take some time to settle down, think clearly, often there is a workable solution.

In my case, I had to adopt the routine of reworking both dogs in obedience, particularly the aggressor, to be absolutely sure I had control. Once that was well established, I only allowed the dogs out together when they could have my attention. Undivided attention.

Since mine fought mainly over toys/balls, we established a clear routine of play that eliminated the chance of confusion ....ie, one dog fetching the other's ball.

Then, they were trained to give each other a wide berth. If I caught one watching the other for any longer than a glance, he got a verbal scolding. If I needed to bring them both in the house, one sat and waited while the other was called in. Everything became black and white, no areas of grey to confuse.

I never let them out together just to run around. It was always a structured setting where I was always there and in control.

It works, but it's not for everyone. If you don't want to make this adjustment, then it would be best to find the dog a new home where his owner will understand his limits. Should you choose that route, be sure his new owner is experienced in handling dogs like him and will be firm and clear with obedience.

Whatever you choose, good luck!

Add: dog to dog aggression rarely has any connection to people/kids. Two different things. Unless your dan has given you reason to question his safety with your kids in the past, I wouldn't worry about this incident having any effect.

You need to either keep them separated, or get rid of the Dane, or find a new home for the Basset.

Personally, I wouldn't keep a large aggressive dog who does that kind of damage. The Dane is not even full grown yet. It either needs a home without other dogs, or it needs to be put down.

I would strongly encourage you to find a pet trainer or even a behaviorist who is willing to come to your home and work with your dog.

Sit Means Sit is a national company that does at home training and they were wonderful with my dogs!

Also, I would look into a "rank reduction" program bringing you up to the alpha position so there can be no more battles or incidents brought on by an attempt to obtain or take that position.

Keeping them separate doesn't solve the problem and giving up your pet or putting him to sleep over an isolated incident isn't the answer.

try contacting a great dane rescue organization, let them know your situation and if they can't help you im sure they know someone who can. good luck.

you may find this article interesting if you concerned for your children's well fair