I have a new pup and have a question as I've never had this happen before. My 20 month old girl is always playing with new pup, when youngster gets a little too much she has been holding her muzzle shut ever so gently and she calms down. Should I stop her doing this? With my litter i never saw this happening with mum but I'm sure I've read somewhere that this deos happen?
Angela

Don't interfere, the bitch is doing the job of bitches and bring up the pup with some manners, only intervene if the pup seems in danger but bare in mind that bitches can sound rough but are in fact not causing any harm.

That's what my bitches have always done to control their pups - no pinning down or anything violent, just the gentle muzzle holding with (if the pup's been very naughty!) a soft, low growl at the same time.

As you can see, it works perfectly!

Our 7 year old bitch still does it to shut our 17mth Rottie bitch up lol!  And it works!

our tibetan spaniel britney holds her daughter lolas muzzle shut when shes had enough of lola.shes very gentle but lola seems to get the message "thats enough".brit is the matriarch of our pack and i let her chastise lola as it seems to stop things getting too rough.hope this helps,roy.

Thanks for the replies :-), it certainly deos work and shes ever so gentle, must be instinct though as her mum never did it. Really pleased with way new pup has fitted in and the others are really enjoying her. Doggy body language is fascinating. Angela