dog spats

Question
Hi,  I have a 4 year old lab pit mix and a 9 month old shepherd, retriever ? chow mix.  Haley (lab) is very territorial especially with toys, treats and food in general.  Last week they got in a fight and I have been worried to death since.  I had to take the pup to the vet and she has to have FHO surg because of hip dysplasia  that presented itself after the fight.  They are both females and both spayed.  Should I be worried about keeping them apart or do you think this right was an isolated case.  BB (puppy) is afraid now.  I think its in part due to the pain in her hip.  They kiss and lick each other and played together all the time until last week.  I don't know what to do.  Haley is about 90 lbs and BB 50 and very submissive.

Answer
Two females can be a problem, but usually OK as long as one of them is submissive.  It is possible that due to the hip problems, BB was slow to submit one time.  Perhaps she will do better after the surgery.

One thing that could make a big difference is that you must be clearly in charge.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts.  Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog.  Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm  If you are clearly #1, then the second place is less important.