I have two male chocolate lab/english springer spaniel mixes, named Jack and Jake. They are brothers same age and live in separate crates. Throughout the day, they are fine, no stealing food issues or trouble with them around the kids. The problem is when they get close to each other, they start to growl. When they were younger (we have had them since 8 wks old, they are now over 1 yr old), it seemed clear to me that dominance was established among them and they both knew that I was the alpha male of the house. However, here lately, all they do is fight. Once they get close to each, the growling starts and then a full blown fight breaks out. Tonight, the fight got so bad, that Jake's ear looks badly damaged. It's gonna be a vet trip tomorrow. I don't know how to quell this fighting. I have never had a problem breaking up the fights and there have been no incidents of redirected aggression. It's just that when they get close they fight. Even when I let them out the door to go potty, they both run out, stop right next to each other and start growling. If i step in, they stop and follow my commands, but if they are alone, they really go at each other. I fear that if I didn't get there in time today, they might have killed one another. I don't understand what is going on. It's like they can't establish a pecking order and it's getting dangerous for them. It's not the same dog that initiates the fights either, it's both of them. They are not aggressive dogs, they are rather passive, but as soon as they get close to each other, all bets are off. They are not neutered, so that will be the next step, but is there anything else I can do??? They have separate kennels, eat separately, and they are friendly as can be. But whether it be a toy they both want to play with or just standing next to each other, the fighting is just getting worse. I really don't want to have to get rid of one of them. The kids love them both to death and to choose one will be a killer decision. When the fights break out or when the growling starts, I send them to "bed" and as soon as I give the command, they both take off to their respective kennels. It seems like I am in control, but if I leave them alone, they are at each other's throats. Well, any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

You may be alpa to them but they are teenage hooligans challenging each other for dominance , Geting them neautered is important as this will reduce the testosterone levels and make them less likely to fight , it may not be a cure all but it will help a lot . have you tried the rattle bottle and a sharp no when they start , sometimes i wonder wheather keeping them apart only kicks things off again when they finally get close maybe letting them be together but keeping a close eye on them so they dont do too much damage . We have 2 bitch labs they are not direct siblings but we think they have the same dad and they get on fine they have thier moments where they play fight but thats all it is they show teath they pull faces but niether ends up hurt , some days Jess seems to have the upper hand ,some days Daisy does so its swings and rounabouts , get them done asap and then it could be a while for things to cool down but it should get better
Andrea

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