Hi
I have a 13 week old staffie boy when i go to the puppy parties run by the vet he always tries to bite the ears and side of the face of a Lab pup, the pup always squeaks and then jumps on sid (my Staff)  but today i was walking sid and we meet a staffie cross they started playing and yet again sid started to bite the dogs face. The other dog was really good she did'nt have a go at all she just took it and even bit sid back ( very gently ) they played very well albeit a bit ruff.
Im just a bit worried that sid is being to aggresive and that he is going to get in trouble later if he carries on.
Any answers please.
Daren
P.S When the lab pup squeaks it seems to wind sid up even more and in the end we have to keep them apart.

The most important thing is that Syd leanrs how to play nicely with other dogs and has as much contact with safe, friendly, vaccinated dogs while he is still a puppy, as well as with other puppies. If you remove this valuable source of socialisation for fear of upsetting someone or hurting another dog then you will only increase the problem in the long run. Puppies play rough and often are corrected for it by older dogs which allows them to learn self control and helps them to realise their own strength, and how much is tolerated in play. As a puppy Syd cannot cause very much damage and if you are worried about this particular labrador then try to sit near other puppies instead which may be a bit tougher and more able to cope with Syd. Try and think about your actions when Syd is playing rough with this pup, as it may be your behaviour that is reinforcing his roughness rather than the pup squealing. Most puppies will understand the noises and body language of other puppies and will know when to stop, and your fussing him (which of course is natural) and worrying while he is playing rough might be sending him the message that you like this behaviour.

Ignore the behaviour you do not like, or if it is going too far, remove him from the direct situation but do not make verbal or physical contact with him. As soon as he is behaving calmly and gently, reward him with verbal praise, physical contact and treats, whatever he likes best or a combination. IN the moments when he is calm with another dog, give him loads of praise for it.

Good luck!

Agree he must get to meet older dogs that will put the puppy in his place.   However he should not be allowed to practice this behaviour on other puppies.   Puppy groups that allow uncontrolled play do more harm than good.    The fact that the labrador squeaking made your puppy worse probably means that the squeaking brought out the prey drive.  [Even puppies can have this].

A behaviour that is allowed to be practised will just become more hard wired in the brain.

That's the beauty of a good puppy socialisation class where the trainer ensures there are no shenanigans!!!!  Often puppy parties are just seen as a free for all and any socialisation is good socialisation.  Not so!!!   Try and find a good puppy socialisation class for your puppy.  Have a look at ADPT website to find one in your area.

Goodluck
Annie

The puppy parties I work at DO allow play BUT it is controlled, we have a staff that comes in to our class and the owner thinks that because it is a staff and they play rougher then it should be allowed, she didnt understand when we told her it could do harm for the socialization of the other pups and not just hers, she assumed we were 'anti-staff' :rolleyes: She got extremely angry because we would not let it bite and bundle the other pups who clearly did not enjoy it, we advised her to let it learn by play with older dogs but apparently she was told by the staff club that 'people like us' would say this :rolleyes:

You just can't win Zoe can you?  I do know of some puppy parties that basically just let the pups go wild but really what does that teach them.  I think your puppy party sounds great! 

Kind wishes
Annie

I have recently started going to puppy class with my 13 week old rottie, the 1st week she was so scared and did not want to move from our side, then last week, she got more confidence and kept trying to bite the tail of an English bull terrier, but that was all, they are only allowed to play off the lead for the last 5 mins of the class and only 3 dogs at a time (there are 6 in the class). the only other time they are allowed off the lead is for recall and then its one dog at a time and as soon as they have come back to you, straight back on the lead.
I think that well organised play groups are great for socialisation at this young age.

Staffs play rough I have three and sometimes it sounds as though they are killing each other!
They are tough dogs and like alot of rough and tumble but as you said most dogs cant play like this and its not fair to expect other dogs to play at that level because they could get injured and find it overwhelming!

I always let my dogs play with oters but pull them out whenever they start getting too rough.

I agree Blondiflops.  Its the nature of the breed.  You obviously know your dogs and know their limits. 

Kind wishes
Annie