My two dogs just had quite a large argument and i had to step in and separate them. THey are both bitches, one is 2 1/2 (Meg) and the other is 16 months. (Ellie) They have never had any problems before and get on really well. Tonight they were playing with my younger sister with a ball and got into a bit fight. I was in the room so i didn't see what happened, but it was very rough and the younger dog seemed to be winning, as she was still growling when separated and had cut the older dog's ear. I put Ellie in the other room and cleaned up megs ear. THey are now both asleep in my room no problems. Now i am presuming it is down to being hot and tired as they had just come back from a walk. Also ellie was spayed last week and we stopped the metacam yesterday on the vets instructions so it may be possible that she is uncomfortable, although you wouldn't know it as she has been jumping around and playing all day.
I am now worried however, that spaying ellie has altered their relationship. Meg is also spayed. Do you think it has made any difference? I know that castrating the younger dog helps reduced conflict between two dogs, does it have a similar effect in bitches?
I am hoping it is just a combination of the heat, and tiredness though!

It's hard to tell, but bitches can reach a point in their relationship where they are just too alike, and both want the same things, and niether will back down :(  It is possible to manage the situation to an extent, but dogs fight for breeding rights, bitches fight for breathing rights.........

or it could just be play got a little out of hand.  I would just keep an eye on them to see if it happens again and how it escalates.

Helen