Henry & Marcus - Playing In Backyard

[Sticks1977]

I have just taken some footage of our 12 week old puppy Henry playing with a larger labrador (Marcus) in our backyard. Friends of ours have come over and he has been supervised the entire time while they have been playing with each other. It seemed to get a little rough - or so it appeared - so I wanted to get the opinion of some DOL members if I have anything to worry about.

Since they have met (which was around 6.30pm this afternoon, and it is now approaching 9.00pm), they seem to be more settled around one another. Henry has been nipping at Marcus' ears a few times and has been trying to get underneath Marcus' feet as well - it is wonderful though to watch Henry socialising with another dog in his own backyard and home.

Have also noticed in the last half hour or so that Henry has had a few small growls at Marcus - he does not seem to show any agression but in the back of my mind I do worry. There is also the option to separate them as there is a puppy/wire fence down the middle of the backyard and I can block Henry's access to the rest of the house with the baby gate on the internal laundry door.

If some of you could please view the video and let me know whether they are only just playing with each other or whether I have more to worry about. Henry is usually quiet and submissive at dog obedience training yet he has shown a different side with a visitor here tonight.

Regards, Shaun (Sticks1977)

Youtube Video - Henry and Marcus

Edited February 27, 2010 by Sticks1977

[Erny]

Playing.

I thought Henry coped with and handled Marcus's constant attentions really well and with a good deal of tolerance. I thought Henry was beginning to get a bit tired of it, towards the end. Just subtly and not quite. What happened after the footage? Did Henry quit playing, or did Marcus (the little energy ball) clunk out?

Edited February 27, 2010 by Erny

[harley]

I think they were playing too. I think the bigger boy tolerated the little ones constant face nipping very well and then got a little tired of it at the end. Looks like Marcus was trying to get away from Henry at the end. Perhaps some quiet, alone time for a break and rest would be good.

[poochmad]

I think they were playing too. I think the bigger boy tolerated the little ones constant face nipping very well and then got a little tired of it at the end. Looks like Marcus was trying to get away from Henry at the end. Perhaps some quiet, alone time for a break and rest would be good.

Agree. Marcus was extremely tolerant - he appears to have a lovely temperament, just right for socialising a pup. I too would allow Marcus to have a break, there's only so much nipping, licking and total enthusiasm an adult dog can take.

[moosepup]

Definitely playing.

How cute was the circle chasey towards the end!!

[Sticks1977]

Thanks to all for the replies so far - it is good to know that it has mainly just been viewed as playing...

At times last night they did both settle down and seemed to leave each other alone. After I had stopped recording the footage they continued to play in this manner chasing one another and still nipping and biting whenever they got a chance. They seemed both calm when they were chewing or had a toy to themselves.

It has been good to see that they are sharing their toys, at one stage Marcus was chewing on some soft toy that Henry has, and Henry decided to knaw away on a plastic dental bone. Marcus (the black labrador) does seem to be tolerant of Henry and I have been keeping an eye on both of them to make sure it does not get out of hand.

Late last night I did notice Henry was showing his teeth and was nipping at Marcus' ears and at one stage when Marcus was in a 'drop', Henry decided to climb over his shoulders and have a lick around his ears but this quickly turned into some more nipping. I do have the option of separating them both which I think I will do throughout today (it's Sunday morning and we are due to "babysit" Marcus as his owners are going to the Guide Dogs Open Day).

I feel I may have to play the mediator today to curb the nipping behaviour - I did notice Henry had a nip/bite at Marcus hind leg as Marcus was walking away, I immediately grabbed Henry by the scruff of his neck and held him on his back and said a loud "No!". Is there any other suggestions you may have so that a 12 week old puppy and a 10 month old labrador can play and get along, without all the mouthing and nipping?

[Kirislin]

Marcus was extremely tolerant of the very persistent Henry. I wouldn't blame or discipline Marcus if he eventually puts Henry in his rightful puppy place. I know you haven't said this has happened yet but if it does, it might be a good thing.

[tdierikx]

Marcus was playing very nicely with Henry I reckon. The way that he kept lying down to be at Henry's level was lovely to watch - and I can tell you now that Marcus and Henry were actually playing quite gently...

I have a 4 year old Lab and a 16 week old Lab puppy - and their play gets a whole lot rougher and noisier than that. Trouble (the older girl) will literally plant Lilly (the pup) if Lilly gets too carried away with the hanging off her ears or lips... *grin*

Wait until you are treated to the full Labrador game of zoomies... that's hilarious... and fast!

T.

[Scarlet]

I didn't see anything apart from play. Any nipping, mouthing and showing of teeth was just play. There is no way to stop this and you shouldn't want to. The only bad thing about this is when they both come up for a cuddle covered in each others

spit.

Mine are also very noisy when they play and you'd think someone was getting killed.

I think Marcus was wonderful but he is only 10 months so is still very playful himself.

I'd let Marcus discipline Henry if he needs it, but of course while under supervision so you can step in if needed.

There was nothing in that play that I would think of stopping.

[Dame Aussie]

Playing, when we brought our second puppy home to our girl they were ten times worse than that

Marcus was being extremely tolerant and looked like he was enjoying the play too

[persephone]

When dogs play, they nip,mouth and grab. They growl, they roll each other over, they walk on each other .They can be very rough, and they can be very noisy

[GoldenWei]

Definately playing. I agree, its quite gentle and Marcus is very tolerant

Incidently, we have one of those rubber chickens, or should I say had, the squeaker was taken out by the wei within 2 days, and its slowly but surely being chewed to pieces, it now has no legs!

[Erny]

Incidently, we have one of those rubber chickens ...

I think I have to get one for Mandela. He was very interested in it (mainly the noise) when he was helping me watch the video clip. Lots of curious head tilts going on. I love those.

[Sticks1977]

we have one of those rubber chickens, or should I say had, the squeaker was taken out by the wei within 2 days, and its slowly but surely being chewed to pieces, it now has no legs!

Our previous labrador (Fraser) loved the squeaker toys and made it his mission with each new toy to seek out and destroy the squeaker part of the toy - the chicken was the only toy that would last longer than a week due to the squeaker part being between the legs!

Quick update on the two of them this morning - they have been much more relaxed around each other and I figure that with all the play they have had last night I hope that Henry has learnt a little about bite inhibition and how hard and not hard to bite. They are both flaked out at the moment with Henry asleep in the laundry and Marcus asleep against the couch in the living room. Pure bliss at the moment but I'm sure it won't last long...

Thanks again to all for the replies - will probably take some more video throughout the day and if there is anything of note will be sure to post another Youtube video.

On another subject, Marcus has used a dog door for the first time in his life following Henry outside and back in this morning, best part was a near adult labrador was able to test the ramps that I have made out of plywood... so far it is still holding together quite well!

Regards, Shaun (Sticks1977)

[Paulp]

As another owner of a pair of labradors I back what the others have said, that is rather gentle play for two labs! When I first got my rescue lab to join my original I had to seek assurance as well that the roughness of play that was going on was not a problem. I only step in when I see one grabbing the others collar to get leverage.