Rough Play

[Molz_25]

Hi,

I am just after a few suggestions on how to keep my new labby in check when he starts to play too rough with my other dog who is a maltese/poodle. We only got him yesterday and being a puppy he just loves to play.

At the moment, the maltese/poodle does snap at him when he is getting to rough...she knows how to do this but just this morning...he started to grab her tail and her collar under the neck. She didn't snap back at him because I assume she didnt not feel like she needed to(?) but because he's going to grow much bigger than her, what are some tips to help him play 'gently' that I can start implementing now.

Thanks

[poodlefan]

Hi,

I am just after a few suggestions on how to keep my new labby in check when he starts to play too rough with my other dog who is a maltese/poodle. We only got him yesterday and being a puppy he just loves to play.

At the moment, the maltese/poodle does snap at him when he is getting to rough...she knows how to do this but just this morning...he started to grab her tail and her collar under the neck. She didn't snap back at him because I assume she didnt not feel like she needed to(?) but because he's going to grow much bigger than her, what are some tips to help him play 'gently' that I can start implementing now.

Thanks

The first thing I'd do is remove her collar whenever they are together. Collars can get wrapped around jaws and lead to disaster.

I'd be discouraging any mouthing of her (and you) for a start. He will be big enough to injure her unintentionally now.

[becks]

Agree, remove the collar (or at least invest in the breakaway collars if they must have them on)

I find the smaller dogs here tell off the bi ones if they get a bit rough or bouncy and in time, they have learned how far they can go and how gentle they need to be. The more you interfere, the longer it will take for these lessons to be learned, that said, I would take the lab for a time out if things get to exciting.