[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Nicksy

Hi this has been my experience in the last year with two boys from the same litter, not spayed. They used to fight frequently when they were juveniles. Now they only fight if we humans stress them out (19 mo). When they get stressed and the growling/posturing begins I can calmly say stop and it goes no further.

They have never needed treatment for the fights (despite one being twice the size at nearly 15 lbs). They rear onto their back legs, lock front legs, snap at the air and make a lot of noise. These fights are over pretty quickly without need for intervention. I think they are just arguments.

My mother-in-law kept telling us to have them fixed "because that will calm them down, just like her yorkie". I was dubious because I remember that her v. badly behaved dog didn't calm down until he was over 2 years old. And other dog owners said it didn't change them.

Eventually my husband asked a vet and he told us that neutering does not affect the behaviour, only training will.

Like human children it may be that your pups are e.g. overtired, overstimulated or arguing over resources (toys, treats) and taking it out on each other. Check that one isn't purposely bullying another - e.g. constantly pinning down or biting muzzle.

It actually does calm them down because the two males won't have the battleing testosterone. There really is no reason not to neuter unless your breeding.