My two dogs are fighting!

Question
I have an 8 yr old beagle and a 4 month old lab. Since we got the lab as a puppy, they have usually gotten along really well.  The beagle has been very tolerant of the lab's very puppy like behavior.  Until now. Over the last week they have gotten into a fight almost every day that seems very nasty and I am afraid they are going to hurt each other. The fights usually revolve around a toy or the fact that the puppy wants to play with the beagle when possibly the beagle has had enough. Please help, getting rid of either one of them is not an option to our family.

Answer
Am I reading correctly that the lab is only 4 months old? Sometimes older dogs tolerate baby puppies, and when they get a bit older are less tolerant. And sometimes very normal dog communication can look and sound very scary to us humans. If nobody is being hurt, I would keep them separated around high value objects like toys and treats, and redirect the pup to another activity when he's being too much for the old beagle. If injuries are resulting, I'd find a good local professional to work with you. They will be able to see what is actually going on, point out the dogs' triggers and give you a plan for defusing touchy situations. It's pretty much impossible to do that long distance, over the internet. Sandy Case BFA MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com