Hi there
My partner and I have two 13-week old border collie pups. They are both males from the same litter. One is named Trapper, the other is Mac. Trapper is larger, more obedient and more dominant than Mac. Over the last 3 weeks, Mac has become jealous of Trapper. They are best friends until my partner is around then Mac tries to tear out Trappers throat. This happens when my partner enters a room, or plays with the pups or even after he has fed them. Initially they fought when no one was around and often late at night or in the small hours of the morning. I was advised that they were trying to establish a rank so I began feeding Trapper first, letting him through the door first etc. This has now stopped the fighting at night but now I'm left with the jealousy issue.
The fighting is terrifying and Mac almost always draws blood. The fighting can last for up to what seems like 10 minutes and ends when Mac dips his head and Trapper mounts him. Lately this has been occuring 4 or 5 times a day and Mac is ALWAYS the one to start it and ALWAYS the one who loses. They both get the same quantity and quality of attention with exception of the feeding first thing I mentioned above.
We have started scolding and seperating Mac when we see the signs of a fight starting. Eventually he loses interest and the fight does no eventuate. I am worried I may be causing more of a problem by doing this? How do I stop the jealousy? It is taking the fun out of having puppies and I really do not want to have to give one away. Please help. Thanks