Do you know which dog is the most dominant one? I've read that it's best to show a little favoritism to the dominant one (by petting them first, feeding them first etc) which helps them maintain their 'status quo' as the dominant one, and decreases fighting.

I've found the best way to stop mine from fighting is to avoid the things that set them off. I have to separate them to feed them, if I give them bones I have to do it simultaneously for both or they fight over one bone, and I can't let the puppy go into the older dog's crate, or the older dog into the puppy's pen, or they get angry.

Snickers is def the dominant one and he gets treated like a KING!!!! Everything 1st!!!

:)
Viv

Siblings! They like each other today and not so much tomarrow. I owned brothers from the same litter (they were the entire litter). They played as puppies,fought as young men (ages 1 - 4),didn't snuggle until about age 8 and one of them passed away last March. His brother still looks for him. Boys will be boys.

perfectly normal. :) Mine dont "cuddle" together, but may share a same bed but not really "cuddle"
Could Reecie see that you and your husband favor Snickers more and act out for more attention? Does Reecie get as spoiled at Snickers?

Breny....you're so cute!!! REESIE is SOOOOO spoiled...hahahahaha. He has such a personality that no one could help give him attention. My boys are equally loved--the only thing were differentiate is when we give them things/greet them. Snick comes 1st only at that time. Upon greeting Snick, Reesie is IMMEDIATELY after as I don't have the heart not to cuddle both of them up.

I have to say the bickering has gotten better since before (months ago.) I just wanted to hear some others experiences. Also, yesterday, Snick sneered, and snapped at Reesie and I took him and gently closed his muzzle and said NO BITE and he backed off. I also had to opp to scold Reesie when he was bugging Snick and nipping his legs so he can also understand not to set Snick off. O only do that once in a great while, I don't want Reesie to think it's OK to be annoying but for the most part-Snick lets him know;).

:)
Viv

My four don't cuddle together See avatar: closest those two have ever been! Tink plays a bit hard so I do interrupt for that... she used to try to drag Finny (Biewer) by her ear (like a squeak toy):eek:. Now they play nice.

Finny acts like she's trying to cuddle and will sleep with Kitties, but her true intent is to annoy till they move then jump in the pre-warmed bed and have a nap!

I have had different ones at different times break into a full out fight, usually under my chair, and I just grab hair and pull them apart, and keep them apart till they settle (few minutes). First time I let them go too soon and it was like I never broke up the fight!

But most of the time they get along well, which to me is no fighting. They eat together, they'll all sleep with me in the bed but they don't snuggle with each other, they'll do just about anything together. What totally cracks me up is if I give them treats, they'll all sit in front of me and actually wait their turn. They will check out each others food bowls, like musical chairs, lol. Two or more get on DH's lap and are quite content.

They've all been living together about 1 year, 3,3,4 and 14 years old. I don't really expect them to get along all of the time. Walking them together helps them to bond with each other, they act like a real pack out of the yard.

Of course having a puppy is different, as they can be really annoying at times. I think they'll be best buds once some of the puppyness wears off...:D

THANKS KATHY!!!! Awesome response...I could see all the things you described!!!!

Much appreciated!!

Snick and Reese also sleep on our bed but not together, close at times, but not cuddling. Reesie SOMETIMES waits his turn but they look the SWEETEST sitting there together waiting for their treats!!!! They both will cuddle w/ me on the couch, but one on each side of my lap:).....silly boys. I also think things will be different after the puppiness wears off!!! Reesie is SUCH a puppy!!!!!

Thank you so much-
Viv