A lot of the things here aren't really dominance related. My dogs all jostle to get out the door, and do it even with my friends VERY alpha german shepherd. None of them see it as disrespectful. Most dogs don't really care about their position in the pack (as long as it is stable) on a daily basis. Dogs do what works to get them what they want. They want to go outside and they do what they need to to get that. If they've been taught manners they wait, if they haven't they do what they want. It's alot like 2 year olds.
If a dog want's to eat/play/sleep etc they don't necessarily think about rank, they just figure out how to get what they want. Now some dogs do really care about their rank, but these dogs are easy to pick out. Sure, dogs know that you don't mess with "Fluffy" when he's eating and things like that.
Don't worry too much about rank. Just be a strong benevolent leader for your dogs and don't worry about the little details. Try googling "Nothing in Life is Free" its a program where dogs earn everything they like in life from you. So your dog is excited to go for a walk, first they need to sit quietly while you put the leash on, or, oops, you put the leash away and sit back down. Their only punishment is they loose out on life rewards like treats, dinner, toys, walks, play time, attention, car rides, whatever they value in life. So you have their dinner ready, "Sit" (dog doesn't do it first time asked, but it must be a command or trick they are already good at) I shrug and say "oops, that sucks" and put their food away (they get another chance in a few minutes, and more if they need it). The goal isn't to skip a meal, it is to teach them that all good things occur by listening to you.
If a dog want's to eat/play/sleep etc they don't necessarily think about rank, they just figure out how to get what they want. Now some dogs do really care about their rank, but these dogs are easy to pick out. Sure, dogs know that you don't mess with "Fluffy" when he's eating and things like that.
Don't worry too much about rank. Just be a strong benevolent leader for your dogs and don't worry about the little details. Try googling "Nothing in Life is Free" its a program where dogs earn everything they like in life from you. So your dog is excited to go for a walk, first they need to sit quietly while you put the leash on, or, oops, you put the leash away and sit back down. Their only punishment is they loose out on life rewards like treats, dinner, toys, walks, play time, attention, car rides, whatever they value in life. So you have their dinner ready, "Sit" (dog doesn't do it first time asked, but it must be a command or trick they are already good at) I shrug and say "oops, that sucks" and put their food away (they get another chance in a few minutes, and more if they need it). The goal isn't to skip a meal, it is to teach them that all good things occur by listening to you.
