Rocky being dominant - normal?

[happycath]

Hi all,
I have done some reading up on the forum about dominant piggies in a pair of bonded males etc and I think everything is ok, but I'd really like some advice to put my mind at rest.
My boys (Rocky and Rufus) are now 4 months old and I'd say Rocky has always been 'in charge', we notice the occasional rumble and chin-off, but nothing more than that. However in the last couple of days Rocky has been really going for it, rumbling a lot and chinning Rufus. Rufus is so laid back and rarely raises to the challenge which is a relief. I'm concerned about bullying though, what should I be keeping an eye out for?
Also, I'm wondering whether the dominant piggie is typically more difficult to catch and more uptight about being handled? Rufus loves cuddles but Rocky isn't so keen although he will occasionally settle for a nice stroke.
Does their scent have anything to do with it? They are being stinky little wotsits at the moment, well mostly Rocky. They are due a bath! Tonight or tomorrow is the plan. Will giving them a bath calm them down behaviour/scent-wise or make them scent like crazy?
Sorry for the long question, I'm still new to this!
Thanks
Catherine

PS: just a thought, we had a friend staying with us for the last couple of days - could her different smell/sound have made them a bit stressed and therefore make Rocky more likely to pick on Rufus?

 

[ILoveGilbertTheGuineaPig]

I think as long as there is no drawn blood, it's fine. They'll sort it out. Keep a good eye on them though. If they clash into eachother for a big fight, definitely separate them. The bath should help them.Better clean them good. Are you planning on bathing them separately or together?

About the handling part, I've never heard that dominant piggies are typically harder to handle. I think you just coincidentally have a piggy who is dominant and doesn't like cuddles.

For your P.S., I'm not too sure. I would say no.

 

[happycath]

Thanks for the response
They do seem a bit happier together today - less rumbling although they aren't choosing to spend much time together. It must be hormones! They aren't truly fighting, just testing each other I think.
We're planning a bath 'n' groom session at the weekend - when we've got lots of time! Everything with the piggies seems to take longer than I anticpate haha!
x

 

[Briony_S]

you should try bath them together if possible as usually the trauma will help them bond a bit more! I always remember Tiger and George's first bath together they kept running behind each other to hide when it was their turn for soap / rinsing!

 

[happycath]

Whoops, didn't finish!
I just wondered whether it was the 'Top Piggie' attitude that was causing him to be restless, but we'll see I guess! Perhaps he'll mellow with age. I would just like to know that he is happy - but I guess the cuddles are more for my own peace of mind!
We're planning on bathing them together, but if they hate it then we might be forced to do them separately to prevent pandamonium breaking out!
Thanks again, I'm amazed how much there always is to learn about piggies