2nd dog help

Question
We adopted an 18 month (appx) male cockapoo from a rescue a week ago.  We already have a 16 month old female cockapoo.  Both are spayed/neutered.  Both WERE very sweet and submissive.  We introduced them on neutral territory and all went well.  Once we brought him home, things changed a bit, of course.  Now our "sweet" female is proving that she will be the alpha dog as she knows the territory at home.  We get them both out for several longs walks a day, and this seems to be keeping them tired, and for the most part, out of each other's way, and trouble.  Unfortunately, the female is starting fights with the male by barking at him when he is sleeping, until he gets up, and then she chases him, jumps on him and growls.  He then picks up the fight and they get rather worked up.  

We are shaking a can of coins to get them to stop and tell them both to go lay down.  The female is well trained and responds and he is learning quickly as well.  

My question:  Are we handling their fighting correctly?  Should we interfere or let them work it out?  Sometimes its just playful jumping around, but about once a day (more often when we first brought him home) they get rather nasty with each other.

For what it is worth; they walk together on leashes beautifully, and even choose to sleep next to each other at night.  

I realize it has only been a week, but we'd like to do this right and not screw either dog up but handling this wrong.

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Nancy,
What a treat - an owner who's doing everything right :)

These dogs are obviously friends and their little scuffles are just what dogs that age do.  I wouldn't interfere unless you think it's going over the top.

My one suggestion would be to shake the can of pennies with
no conversation from you.  A shake/noise and a bit of a "grrr...or HEY" from the alpha leader should be enough to stop it.

Your female is definitely going to be the dominant one.
Look at their "fights" this way...they're like toddlers who are playing and shrieking with delight and suddenly someone is crying because it got a bit out of hand.  That's when the parent steps in with "enough, already" and takes charge.
Same thing here.  So don't over-react but they are young and do need to have an eye on them.  Basically they'll work it out and this will decrease (as you've noticed already).

And bless your heart for doing a rescue !!!!
Best of luck and write anytime,
Delores