bitches fighting

Question
We have two female miniature poodles, a 1.5 year old and a 2.5 year old. Neither are spayed - the decision was based on our own research for health reasons and was a toss up...recent events has us leaning toward having them spayed. They both came into heat at the same time and are "humping" one another a fair part of their waking hours, needless to say we have changed our minds and are taking them in for the procedure after they come out of heat.  

The younger of the two is the alpha and tends to initiate occasional fighting.  Tonight they really went at and we separated them but not until, Annie the older received a nasty bite to her foot - we are attending to her and plan on bringing her to the vet tomorrow morning.  We are concerned and wonder if the propensity to brawl increases during heat -  again both are in heat.  I am also concerned that whether or not spaying them will reduce their tendency to fight as the younger one gets older - she usually initiates aggression.  Perhaps it would have been better if I opted for a male instead?  I'm concerned about the older of two, who is very sweet, being bullied by the younger one.  The younger one is from a reputable show dog breeder - champion stock.  I assumed that this would produce a good pet quality dog.  Being a first time dog owner she's more alpha than I bargained for.  

The younger one is well socialized and behaves in public.  

Any suggestions are appreciated.  

Answer
Hello Ivan,
You are going to have to make the younger dog submit to the older dog.  To do this, when the younger dog starts to get rough with the older dog, make the younger dog lay on her side with her head on the floor until you say its alright to get up.  
Allow the older dog to come up and sniff the younger dog and make the younger dog submit to it also.  
Your young dog needs to know that you are boss, and that you will not allow fighting and dominance posturing in your house.  
Praise her when she is playing nice with the older dog.  

If you want your younger dog to still be the boss dog over the older dog, then show the younger dog that she is boss by feeding her first, petting her first, etc.  If you want the older dog to be boss and she seems like she wants the boss position as well, then make the younger dog submit until she realizes that the older dog is boss also.  Feed and play with the older dog first, let her out to potty first, give her the first treat etc.  

As to whether or not spaying will help, that depends on the dog.  Sometimes it helps if they haven't received all their horomones, but sometimes it doesn't fix the issue.  

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim