What are the signs of a dominant colt?

I just want to keep my eyes open for any dominance so i can get on top of it before it could become an issue.

Dominant over you? Or over his buddy? Because if you want to avoid him trying to be dominant over you, just work with him in hand a lot, ask him things. No matter how old he is, you can teach him to walk, trot, halt, and back up in halter, even if you only work 10 minute sessions at a time. I taught my yearling to bow, as well as side step to get her to respect me.

If you want to avoid him being dominant over his buddy? Good luck with that, because there is always a hierarchy in nature. You may be the alpha of the herd, but one horse will still be the alpha of another. There isn't anything you can do, they will be horses and they will always test who of the two is on top. Unless it becomes so dangerous that they actually cause serious damage [meaning, biting backs and pinching nerves, not taking out chunks of hair and maybe a layer of skin] just let them be.

no i was more worried about him trying to be dominant with me, wanted to nip it in the bud if it started. he is definatly top horse in the stable and working well in hand so far

A dominant horse will always have a dominant streak, no matter if you "nip it in the bud" or not. It can really reduce it, but not get rid of it all together.

There are many signs of a dominant horse, but many "I'm scared" signs will also look like "pfft nope you do it yourself!"...so the main thing is to read each situation on it's own. It's hard and will take ALOT of time in the beginning, but once you're used to it you can do it the instant it happens.

I agree with SavvyHearts. A dominant horse will always have that streak, but it is the way you manipulate it to work for you. It's the same as humans. It's not taking control... it's being a partner. I have done so with a "killer" mare.

What does your baby do to show dominance?