I tend to agree, I have never used force (hitting punching kicking physical violence etc. ) to dominate my pack and at times when all were home from shows and breedings etc that could be as high as 23 or as low as 2 the point is I was always alpha within their own lives my bitch was alpha the males always (again this is an opinion even if there is a Dr in front) were a lot more tolerant of pups, all of my pack at one time or another would "test the waters" I personally believe it was to re affirm or to re establish place in the pack. Not one of my females allowed "fighting" of either sex like me they seemed to quell it with a look and body language. Dominance is not aggression and a truly aggressive dog in a large pack will either gain a position for a short time or get his butt whooped (again just my pack I am referring to all dogs like ppl differ but some traits are fairly consistent) at the moment I have just 2 dogs yet I am still alpha followed by a cocker and then the dobe, Rusty hasnt even tried to push and he seems very satified with where he fits yet he must be aware that she is only a fraction of his size? I think that your dogs are perfectly normal for YOUR pack they are obviously well loved and well read by you and why question such a good thing they are blessed and so are you Toot on him and his study!
Doc