Lucky

This chunky-monkey little girl is the boss female on this hill. A blue heeler/Australian shepherd mix that my husband rescued from the pound, she takes every new Dane puppy under her paw and teaches him the important tricks: 1) where the treats are stored and how to open the cabinet, 2) how to chase the cats but not catch them, 3) where the good hiding places are when it thunders,
4) respect your elders, recognize your betters and 5) basic good southern manners – “Bark at everyone, but let friends in the house.”

All of the new puppies learn quickly to respect her power and position, lessons they retain even when they top her by a foot and 100 pounds. In other words, she gets her bluff in early. This socialization stands them in good stead with judges, children and other dogs.