Some things I learned over the years with regards to making sure that you dogs respect you as the 'pack leader' is to only acknowledge them on YOUR TERMS...not theirs. If you don't want to pat them, don't....if THEY want you to pat them and shove themselves on you, and you don't want to, then turn your back and walk away from them. Dogs don't speak english, they speak DOG....so it's about body language. The tiniest things, like making sure you eat before they do, only paying attention when it's instigated by you, using more body language than words to correct behaviours can really help. I guess have them know basic commands too like sit, drop etc helps.

My Dog also had free reign on the house, and he continued to once DS was born. Charlie is happy with attention, but also happy without attention, and I think that is the key.

Luckily having two of them means at least they have eachothers company.

I read a book called 'The Dog Listener' by Jan Fennel which I really liked the approach of too.