neutering

Question
QUESTION: I have 2 labs about 2 to 2 1/2 years old. They are brothers and never been separated since they were born. They play alot together and get into play fighting alot and sometimes one gets hurt. here lately they seem to be getting more territorial when other animals come around the outside of the fence. We have been trying to decide to have them neutered, but have been undecided due to if it will help them, is it to late to have them done and what side affects they will have from having it done. They vet that we are considering doing it says that they will have to wear a restraint collar until the stitches heal. The question is should we have it done since they are less than 1 year old? thanks!

ANSWER: It is never to late to neuter your dogs.  But remember, first and foremost, training is key and some behavior won't go away just because the testicles are removed.  However with them being territorial, fixing them will remove much of the desire to guard their territory.  

They are a good age to get it done at...though I am confused are they 2 years old or 1 year old?  You said both in your question.  Regardless, doing it now is OK and safe.  You may not have to put a cone on their neck/head because not all dogs will lick incisions, but be prepared for it.  

If you want, you may want to just neuter one right now, and pick the one that is least dominant as that might curb some of the fighting you are seeing in the house.  The idea is that the least dominant one will be removed as a threat to the dominant one, and the fighting should stop.  But this is where the training part comes in.  YOU RUN THE HOUSE, not them.  If they start to get out of hand, stop the activity.  I have 3 intact boys at home and no fighting at all.

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QUESTION: They are 2 years old. I was saying that I had read that is was best to do it when they are around 1 year old. We don't have a problem in the house with them, it is when they are outside. they don't really get into a real fight, it is like they are still puppies but now they both weigh around 100 pounds each.Is their anything I should now before having them done or questions to ask before it is done?

Answer
Many say that it's best to do it between 12 and 18 months, vs. doing it at 6 months.  Doing it later like 2 years or more doesn't really make it difference.  The idea of waiting is to make sure the dog is done growing physically as there are some studies that show that it's better for orthopedics and joints to wait on the nuetering.  

Talk to your vet about your concerns about the procedure.  Honestly, I don't have fixed boys due to showing, and our one girl that was spayed, she needed 2 weeks rest and was fine.  I would just make sure you are clear on how long the vet wants you to rest the dogs (no playing) and be aware that when they do remove the testicles, they do not remove the sac, that remains and eventually shrinks.