A few days ago we rescued a female labroador who is about 1.5 years old. We already have a male 5 month old labrador and the two of them seem to get on very well. They are constantly playing but she regularly corners him in sections of the garden and does not let him get away. Every time he tries to escape she barks and cuts off his escape route. The puppy is getting scared at this.

This is the only bad behaviour that I have noticed and the male puppy is still very playfukl with her but I am very concerned at this. Is it a territorial issue which will go away?

They will play and sometimes it will get rough. It is best not to interfere but when it gets too bad then step in.

Why did they people rehome the girl by the way ? Not because of temperament probs I hope !

Lucy

Dear Guest,
I agree with Lucy, if it really gets too rough then step in, but a dogs idea of 'rough' may not be our idea of rough. I am going through the same thing with my 2 working labs at the moment, the only difference is that neither of mine are rescues. i think that she's doing this for one main reason - she' is trying to let the male pup know who's boss!..Although your male pup is only 5 months old, some of the 'male' behaviour will already be starting, plus he'll be quite a lot bigger than her when he's fully grown, so She's getting in there first to make sure that he has absolutely no doubt about who is the boss. When my two start 'playing' it must sound like there,s a murder going on to someone who doesn't know them!
The only thing that I sould say is that although they are still both young, at the moment your bitch can still do more damage to the pup than vice versa. She's probably bigger, faster and bouncier!
Anyway, hope this helps.
Ali

Thanks for your advice. They have settled down in the last few days and are now getting on fine. She was rehomed because the people just got sick of her. How cruel some people are

Glad things have settled down.

It is all too common and people normally use other excuses to why they want to get rid. I suppose at least they were being honest by why oh why do people not do more research when getting a dog ? They would then realise it is not all plain sailing this doggie ownership! :)

Lucy