puppy playing

jonahsmom · #1 08-20-2009, 12:12 PM

My boyfriend has a 13 week old female and I have a 13 week old male and 10 week old female. The older two play together fine. They have since they were first introduced. Mia, always tends to be the dominant one. But Jonah has always given in, as he is such a mellow guy. Mia and Mylie get along fine when it's just the two of them. But, at the dog park, Mia shows aggression when Mylie gets attention from anyone else. We have determined it is because Mia takes on the role of Pack Leader with both my pups. My question is, puppy playing and barking and growling is ok, but when do we need to pull Mia off Mylie? My boyfriend got bit by one of them the other day pulling them apart. When does it get to be too much puppy playing and becoming aggression? And how can it be fixed? Eventually we will all live together, and I think it's better to fix the problem as puppies rather than when they are older, and bigger!

ehayes21 · #2 08-20-2009, 12:26 PM

I seriously wouldn't get all hung up on pegging who the pack leader is and who's dominant. Both of those theories have more holes than swiss cheese.

What you are witnessing is puppy play. Plain and simple. Boxers are notoriously noisy puppies and can play quite rough. It's very rare that you would ever see true aggression out of a pup that young, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Of course if you find that it's a little too rough for your comfort, then by all means step in and calm them down. I wouldn't physically stop them either, just get their attention by making a loud noise and get them interested in something else.

LILYLARUE · #3 08-20-2009, 12:37 PM

Great Advice!

I would also add to use a command when you seperate them from rough play. I use "enough" firmly and loud enough to get their attention and snap out of the mode they are in. As they got older, all I had to say was that command and they knew it meant stop. They immediately stop and go to their own corners, or bed or whatever. It definitely works today! I also use it when Lily gets all wound up seeing another dog on our walks.

I also use "settle" when I want things to slow down. It usually works to get them to calmly play better.

jonahsmom · #4 08-20-2009, 05:00 PM

Thank you both for the advice. And I know that they are just playing. I get that, completely! And I know that their play can get quite loud and sound worse than it is. But I really don't believe that it is right for Mia to be showing such a dominant role. And as far as not physically pulling her off, nothing else works. Mind you, we are at a dog park. I guess my boyfriend and I will keep at working with them together.

jonahsmom · #5 08-20-2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehayes21

What you are witnessing is puppy play. Plain and simple. Boxers are notoriously noisy puppies and can play quite rough. It's very rare that you would ever see true aggression out of a pup that young, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Of course if you find that it's a little too rough for your comfort, then by all means step in and calm them down.

I know that it is puppy play... to an extent. Mia and Jonah have always played together and never had to be stopped. They have got noisy and rough. But it stops eventually and they can play nicely together. But with Mia and Mylie, it is way different! It doesn't stop.

ehayes21 · #6 08-20-2009, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonahsmom

Thank you both for the advice. And I know that they are just playing. I get that, completely! And I know that their play can get quite loud and sound worse than it is. But I really don't believe that it is right for Mia to be showing such a dominant role. And as far as not physically pulling her off, nothing else works. Mind you, we are at a dog park. I guess my boyfriend and I will keep at working with them together.

Wait, you are at a dog park with 10 and 13 week old pups??? Not smart at all. As for Mia, being a dominant pup...that might just be her personality and other than redirecting there isn't much you can do about it, it's who she is.

jonahsmom · #7 08-20-2009, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehayes21

Wait, you are at a dog park with 10 and 13 week old pups??? Not smart at all. As for Mia, being a dominant pup...that might just be her personality and other than redirecting there isn't much you can do about it, it's who she is.

Maybe that is just the way she is. But maybe NOT! Just looking for advice was all. And why can't they be at a dog park? Or should I even ask.

My boyfriend and I both spoke to different vets and both told us, as long as they've got their shots they are fine. And for the past 2 weeks, Jonah and Mia have been fine. As far as rabies shots go, we were told that as long as we are aware of the dogs they are around that they would be okay. And by golly, they ARE!

Once again, thank you all for your input and advice. I am sure we will all be one happy family one day. Just keeping Mia and Mylie separated.

ehayes21 · #8 08-21-2009, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonahsmom

My boyfriend and I both spoke to different vets and both told us, as long as they've got their shots they are fine. And for the past 2 weeks, Jonah and Mia have been fine. As far as rabies shots go, we were told that as long as we are aware of the dogs they are around that they would be okay. And by golly, they ARE!

They have had ALL of their shots? Most pups don't have all of their shots that young. Aside from being a huge disease risk, dog parks are probably the worst place you could socialize your dog. Find a few well balanced adult dogs and set up playdates with them instead.

LILYLARUE · #9 08-21-2009, 09:19 AM

I agree with no dog parks for a while, if ever. With your pups so young, one bad incident can do some physical and especially emotional damage. One bad fight can change your pups personality and how they will react to other dogs in the future.

There are so many diseases that can pass at parks. Not only from one dogs mouth to another, but through their feces that some members ignore or are lax in cleaning up.

Dog parks are a great place for balanced, good ettiquette, and social adult dogs to enjoy. But some members do not obey the rules, like get the shots required. Some members are clueless to how to properly train a dog or teach appropriate play behaviors. Some members rely on the other dogs to excercise and train their dog.

There are just too many factors that put your puppies at risk. It only takes one bad experience to put a huge hurdle in your own training of your pups. I just wouldn't risk it.

Find some other very well behaved dogs to show your pups proper behavior and proper play. This situation is ideal for the well behing of your pups. Don't rely on complete strange dogs to influence yours.

Urikon · #10 08-21-2009, 10:50 AM

Thought I would weigh in on the "dog park" and puppy socialization debate. Mia is my 14 week old pup. The OP asked about the behavior between Mia and Mylie in contrast to that of Mia and Jonah. So thanks for the input about ways to address the behavior. Now for the "dog park" debate: In my experience opinions are formed by personal experience and research. While some people have had a bad experience at dog parks or heard about bad experiences others have had or heard about positive experiences. I have owned 4 boxers, Mia is my 5th. I have had males and females, good tempered and aggressive alike. I have socialized individually, with "good adult dogs", in small groups, and at dog parks. In my experience there is no universal magic formula to making a puppy into a healthy and happy adult dog. It's trial and error, finding what works for that individual pet and being consistent. In my experience a young pup can be "traumatized" by any single event or action and no owner can plan for every possibility. The responsibly supervised pup stands the best chance against such trauma. In contrast to some of the opinions expressed I have had very positive experiences at the dog parks I go to. The owners supervise their dogs, provide positive feedback and share experiences. The real measure of its impact to me is the experiences that my dog gets. She loves it.