two brothers, each with new identical toys, the one thats usually submissive to the other now not having a bar of that and if the other dog comes near the new toys we are having full on curling lips, growling and fighting, but no damage being done. is this because he no longer sees the other as alpha as the trainer said we are not to have an alpha amongst the dogs or is it because the toys are just too bloody good to share?? have to make really loud noise to seperate them, which has made the submissive one a bit nervous today and i don't want that. do we go back to one being the alpha as this seemed to work.

I would take the toys away too and only give them back to your dogs when u decide this way your in control. Good luck.

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Why on earth did your trainer say neither dog should be 'alpha' (I hate that term!)

Ultimately, you should be leader. You have the final say, and what you say goes. But you'll never be 'alpha' as you are not a dog. Below your leadership the dogs will have their own pecking order, and providing there are no real problems, they should be allowed ot sort this out amongst themselves, or you risk problems.

If Both dogs feel they have similar status, that will lead to problems. If they ar esimilar in age, (are they litter brothers) and reaching maturity, it is likely they are both trying to be top dog. If the fights they are having are proper fights, and more than just over-exhuberant playing, I would sday you need ot look at rehoming one, or keep them seperate at all times. When two dogs (or botches) of a similar age start fighting liek that, usually one will eventully end up dead. It is a very serious problem, so do not take it lightly.

thanks for your replies. they only done it yesterday with the new toys, they have got a pecking order normally, there has been no trouble today and have been given a rib each and theres been no fighting over them. they are nearly 20 weeks old and are brothers from the same litter. i think we have not helped by not going by their pecking order and are going to re establish that. they have never behaved like this before, normally the submissive one cries if he is seperated from the other and the other doesn't like it either. once the toys were out of the picture they were fine and it only happened with the new ones, the other toys have not caused this fighting, strange..... the only thing with the new ones were that they squeaked..... they do not fight over food and the one that is normally submissive will not eat the others, who is a slower eater. will monitor it carefully.

Have also had this problem between 2 bitches 15 and 2 - but I am top bitch in this house. It was bad for a while, but we persevered - We just excluded one from the room, and within half an hour all friends again - and if they came in ready to start again - removed again.

We now have a new male puppy - and the 2 year old is too busy playing - result almost harmony - the oldest gets peace when needed and the other is too tired to be bothered lol

was wondering if the neutering would help, they have to be six months tho but i will ask at the vets when i go on tuesday, but have had no problems today so far.