Growling And Rough Play!

[MsBex]

Hey all,

Well Cory's 16wks now, and has graduated from his puppy pre-school, and started last week in puppy obedience. Great school btw :D

Just a question though, as Cory (considering he's still a midget) is very active and energetic when he's playing with the other puppies. There are a few that meet his level of energy, and I tend to steer him towards them to play (on lead at this stage) as the other puppies who are more sedate, tend to back away from him. Both puppy pre-school and puppy obedience trainers have told me that his growling when playing is just a normal thing and not to worry about it as he is too young to be displaying dominant behaviours. However in both classes he has been the ONLY growler, and it can get quite loud and constant! A couple of times he has bitten the nose of a puppy and almost latched on in a way (a short while).

Next week is off-lead play in a tennis court, and I'm a little nervous to be honest, as he does seem to scare the more timid pups. Should I be correcting his growling and rough play, and if so, how do I do this? Verbal command or distracting with treats or removing him for a timeout?

Thanks for your input.

EDITED: Forgot to add, he's been itching a bit since we've had him (about 6 weeks now). Have bathed him in flea shampoo, wash his bedding frequently and been giving him Frontline for the last month (every 2 weeks). Haven't seen a flea on him and his skin looks nice underneath, is hard to look at the big picture of his skin, as he has so much hair. When I went to the clinic today to get worming tablets, the nurse said its possible his anal sacs? are full. Anyone else know anything about this?

Edited October 20, 2009 by MsBex

[Sandra777]

Some dogs are extremely vocal when they play and without actually seeing (hearing!) what he's doing it's hard to know what he actually means by it - b u t - if the trainers are experienced and aren't concerned then I would guess he is growling in play.

How do you propose to "correct" him without correcting him for playing, correcting him for interacting with other pups and perhaps creating a phobia about other dogs???

I would find him some (perhaps) older, (definitely) bolder friends and if he is being rude they will soon tell him so. An adult bitch of stable temperament is usually ideal for teaching a pushy puppy their manners

Edited October 20, 2009 by Sandra777

[poodlefan]

My friends young Cocker plays in exactly the same way - very vocal. Some dogs are fine with it, others don't like it.

I suggest you find some nice outgoing youngsters who can handle the noise. Staffords are probably a safe bet

My Whippet just adds his own sound effects to the Cocker's when they play.

[MsBex]

I do like this trainer alot so will just ask her to keep an eye on him and tell me to relax and back off if that's what needed

Sandra - that whole correcting thing was my worry too, as I don't want to be creating a phobia in him. I think in that case if needed the distraction with a treat is probably the best option?

Poodlefan - I like the idea of Stafford play! He's gotten a little bigger now, so let him have a little play with my sister's staffy again, and they really enjoyed it. Gave him some safe places to run to, and he definately used those safe places when he needed, but kept going back for more