Dogs And Their Social Behaviour

[waffle]

Just wondering, is it typical for a puppy to love playing and socialising with other dogs but then become indifferent towards other dogs as it grows older? I mean this as a spontaneous kind of thing. So not like it changed because it has been trained to focus on people and ignore dogs, or because it has had an adverse experience involving other dogs. More like, everything has been kept the same but it just decided it doesn't want to play with other dogs anymore because its grown up.

[dandybrush]

i think its prob normal, my boy hardly plays with other dogs now so i do love to watch him when he does have a game

mostly now he prefers to play with his toys and me i dont think there is anything wrong with that

[Henrietta]

I think it depends on the personalities of the dogs. My two dogs growing up didn't really play much at all after adolescence. They had only basic training and they were never discouraged from playing. Edit - I lied a little, they would have the occasional game of chasey around the yard!

My two dogs now are still playing almost like puppies and they are 9 and 4 years of age. The older one still adores playing and will play with carefully selected doggy friends. My younger dog does not like other dogs but will play very well with the 9year old.

Dependent on the individual is my guess.

Edited November 9, 2010 by Henrietta

[dandybrush]

also i am very fussy about who my boy plays with, if i dont like the game, i will take him away from the situation

[corvus]

Yes, I think it is normal for most dogs. I have a very social dog that will still play with any dog he meets at 2 1/2, but it doesn't have the same excitement in it as when he was a year old. Mostly he is about the greetings more than the play these days.

My other dog is nearly 18 months old and so still fascinated with other dogs. I expect that in the next 6 months this will fade.

ETA I think if they have a playmate they live with it's fair to assume they will play with each other for the rest of their lives. Not all dogs will, but many will. My two prefer playing with each other. They know each other so well there are never any misunderstandings or tense moments. I would prefer a playmate like that over one that has mannerisms I don't quite understand.

Edited November 9, 2010 by corvus

[Henrietta]

Yes, I think it is normal for most dogs. I have a very social dog that will still play with any dog he meets at 2 1/2, but it doesn't have the same excitement in it as when he was a year old. Mostly he is about the greetings more than the play these days.

My other dog is nearly 18 months old and so still fascinated with other dogs. I expect that in the next 6 months this will fade.

ETA I think if they have a playmate they live with it's fair to assume they will play with each other for the rest of their lives. Not all dogs will, but many will. My two prefer playing with each other. They know each other so well there are never any misunderstandings or tense moments. I would prefer a playmate like that over one that has mannerisms I don't quite understand.

I should say that this mostly true for my older girl as well. She will still invite play quite readily, but isn't like a puppy who needs to play now.

[aussielover]

At 7 and a half months my Lab puppy is already starting to ignore other dogs.

She still is really keen to play with friends she made when she was younger.

[waffle]

Thanks for the replies! My 1 yr old pup stopped being interested in dogs pretty recently and I wasn't sure whether it was because he was growing up or because he's been ill. Glad to know it's normal

[Jigsaw]

Most dogs behaviour towards other dogs changes somewhat as they reach 12 to 18 months. As sexual maturity comes on the interest in juvenile play lessens and the play behaviour exhibited may be inclined more toward mating behaviour. The dog may also find with training that other behaviours are more rewarding than playing with strange dogs.