It's horrible and frightening isn't it? very very occasionally my two get worked up about something at the fence and if one touches the other or barges then they go at each other, I'm not really sure who instigates it. I shout very loudly! and have been known to lob a rock - not to hit either of them but just to distract - so far this has worked okay but I'm always very wary when I see them barking at the fence together. I worry about Ailsa's hips so really need to discourage fighting or too much ragging.

We are ok again today thanks , but I did wonder for a while yesterday whether Yogi had just flipped and I would have to have him pts

Idon't think there is any need to rush into things. I got Max neutered and it made no difference to his fighting. Jeager was never neutered and Max never touched him. The only dog, he never attacked. I agree with KrLyr, i think Yogi is in more pain than you know. I would suggest you get him x-rayed as soon as possible. It wasn't till i found out that Max had really bad HD from an early age, did i put 2 and 2 together. Also there was cancer.. so he must have felt so insecure and vulnerable! Trust me Moobli, i have experienced so much with my two, concerning these things. Even Jeager showed a little bit of angriness, i think, from feeling vulnerable, as he got older. ( he had early signs of DM, Arthrytis, etc.)

Thanks Maisiesmum, it is reassuring to know it happens to others too. I think it is so alarming because my dogs don't fight very often at all, but when it does happen it seems that Yogi really, really means it

Hubby's sheepdogs often have wee barneys and scrapes, but nothing as prolonged and serious looking as when Yogi gets involved.

Keeping calm is excellent advice, but so difficult when it is happening.

There may be something in that, but I also wonder whether it has been on the cards for a while because both Yogi and Zak do tend to get quite high when we are off out for a walk and recently have been having barking matches with each other as we head out.

We as humans, may think it was over a toy... But it was probably more intense than that. Yogi may have been hurting for longer than you know!

no advice other than to say i also think take him back to vets and get X-rays to see if its something more etc..

poor you, the few times bruno has fought its been awful and as you say even thought its short it feels like it goes on forever

That sounds like a similar scenario, in that I think it is the high agitation levels that start the fights here too but it is excitement at going out.

Horrid to see isn't it, but good that you can stop yours with a shout. I was shouting my head off yesterday but to no avail.

Thanks Jeagi. I won't be rushing into anything, and also don't think neutering would help at this stage. In fact, it may make matters worse.

I will have a word with my vet I think. Thanks.

If and when it happens again. Just concentrate on Yogi. Not in anger, or fear. Just control. Grab him just in front of the rear legs, and just move back, untill you are clear of Zak, or Yogi lets go. Then just command Zak, as normal, and show him that you control the situation... Not him. Then calm, and deal with Yogi.