sisters becoming feisty

Question
Hi Amanda,
I wrote you not long ago about my 2 Dacshound/Chihuaha sisters, Daisy and Cinnamon.  About 10 mths. old.  Cinnamon is going into her third week of heat and Daisy hasn't started at all yet.  Cinnamon has been a little edgy with Daisy when Daisy gets too close, but the last couple of days it has turned into a few real brawls between them.  Usually if they argue over something, I will pull them apart, wait a second and them stand guard while they make up.  Tonight Daisy wants to make up but Cinny isn't having it.  She keeps growling at Daisy and I'm not sure how to handle it.  I'm sure it has something to do  with Cinnamon's "current state"  and she's becoming dominate, but do you think it is only temporary or are we going to have these issues the older the sisters get.  Should I let them fight it out (to an extent) one time or keep them seperate for a day or so?  Sorry this is so lengthy but as I said before, these are my babies and I adore them.

Thank you,
Angela

Answer
Hi Angela.  I do remember you asking me about Daisy and Cinnamon.  I think you are right on target about why they are fighting.  With Cinnamon being in heat, it is very likely that she wants to be dominant - that way she has the pick of the males (if there were any).  I wouldn't let them try to work it out since its possible they might hurt each other, and I do think it would be a good idea to keep them separate for a few days until Cinnamon is not so temperamental.

Amanda