i have just introduced a 12 wk Springer (Tom) into the household, as a companion to my 10mnth Springer (Jerry).
They seem to be getting on fine, sleeping together, eating together, playing together. They play nicely with a toy, normally a 'tug' game, which Jerry initiates by thrusting the toy at Tom, then running away to encourage him to play. They then play 'tug' for a bit, Jerry wins, runs of with the toy, then comes back and starts again.
However, Jerry sometimes gets rough, mouthing his shoulder and legs, i.e. just wrapping him mouth round him, not hurting, or I think even biting. He also makes a high pitched, excitable growl while doing this. As well as the noise being annoyaing, I am worried that Tom may get hurt, though normally it is the other way around, as Tom's teeth are sharper! I have read many posts on this sort of behaviour and am thoroughly confused, as well as intrigued!
Is this dominant behaviour? Should it be allowed to enforce Jerry as 'top dog'? Should it be stopped? should I hit him with a newspaper, scruff him, or spray him? or just remove him? or Tom?
Am very interested what replies I shall get as so much of the information seems dependant on breed and situation.

Luv Laura and the Monsters

Hi Laura

When my two (Golden Retrievers) first started play fighting/grabbing I thought they'd kill each other but as rough as it seems at times neither has suffered any injury (there has been the odd yelp when one bit a bit too hard but I'm sure it was unintentional). I allow mine supervised play and if they are getting a bit too rough or it goes on too long I call a halt to it. I was always concerened about the pup getting squashed or trampled but the older dog seems to know how far to take it and now she is 7 months I worry about her bullying the older one lol ;) The first time a visitor sees them with teeth showing as they attack each other they worry and wonder why I don't intervene but they soon realise that it is just play - my bigger one throws himself on the floor and kicks his legs and encourages the little one to attack :D

To me yours sounds like puppy play - they are both young :)

With my puppies, (And older dogs for that matter) I allow just so much then I step in and stop it. This does two things, It stops the play getting over the top and it enforces my place as the pack leader! In all possibilites it is just play and will remain just play but I figure there is an even better chance if it remaining just play if I keep the behaviour under control.

Regards, John

Mine all play rough too. It used to scare me, especially as it was the rescue Greyhounds that played so rough, due to not having much chance to puppy play, they return to puppyhood when they are settled, so a 28" big puppy is quite a scary sight when they bounce and play, not to mention the noise:)

I do the same as the other replies though, allow them to play whilst supervised and call a holt myself when they get too carried away, for the same reasons.

Enjoy:)

Lynda