Fighting dogs

MiCsarah

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Or not so much fighting but more one going for the other. They are both springer spaniels, Harry is 18months, Alfred is 2.5yrs.They have always been fine, been the best of friends. Occasionally have the odd fight if somebody hurt one another while play fighting but recently Harry has gone for Alfred. Its happened 3 times this week, first time it was definitely over food, I had done a stupid thing and chucked some food on the floor, second time it was once again in the kitchen so I don't know whether there was a little food on the floor. The time tonight I wasn't really watching, they have both just had their dinner, chicken wings and a few veggies. Alf had come into the lounge and im not 100% sure but may have been finishing a carrot as I saw a tiny piece fly off in the commotion. Harry walked in carrying his bowl as he always does and the next thing I know Harry flies off the handle and attacks Alf, he doesn't bite but sounds like he might aswell be. So I screamed at it to stop and through Harry out. He then came back in about an hour later and both were being abit funny around eachother which has never happened before. Alf was a little wary and Harry was just acting a little dominant. At one point Alf was hiding behind my leg so I just just stroked him to reassure him and Harry wondered over and was just standing very dominantly and with a stiff upper lip. So firmly told him that this was not acceptable and he became very passive around me. They both now seem ok with eachother, curled up together as they usually are but I just don't know why this has all suddenly started.
Food will now be fed in separate rooms and bowls will be removed as soon as finished. They get a mixture of raw and skinners (on separate days of course) but are forever eating disgustin stuff around the farm aswell so I don't think its a hunger thing. Both are walked everyday, sometimes 2/3 times depending on what me and OH are doing. Harry has always been one to test the boundaries and has no respect for my OH at all. We always joke that the pecking order goes me, harry, OH and then Alfred so don't know whether he has felt like hes at the top the list recently. Hopefully now he feels like hes gone down a peg or 2 but it just worries me slightly.
Heres a picture of the little darlings. Alred on left, Harry on right
 
I think you've answered all your own questions. Feed separately, no shared toys or bones. They are both of similar ages and approaching maturity and becoming manly men (mine turned into a little toad 12-24 months) so sometimes behaviour like that's to be expected.

Try not to reassure one over the other and do be businesslike and 'get over it' - reprimand, finish, it's done, no emotion or temper.
 
I never really thought of them maturing so that could be right. Will try not to reassure alf, I suppose I always feel sorry for him.
 
I know it's a really human emotion and natural but it rarely helps to feel sorry for them in that situation - it can reinforce that he is right to act scared/worried and can make the aggressor even more of a bully towards the 'wimpy' kid.
 
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