We have two dogs that like to rough house to the point that everything becomes destructive. How do we best control them without kenneling them one at a time?

Hi,

I have been training dogs for over 40 years, both in obedience and in conformation for show and now I'm stumped. We have two dogs, a 7 1/2 year old Bullmastiff male and a 10 1/2 month old Mastiff male. Both dogs are still intact. The older one was recently diagnosed with first stage renal disease and neutering is not an option. The younger one is a very good show prospect so neutering him is also not an option. Neither one have ever been used as a stud dog.

The older dog was trained in obedience and we still make him go through the motions of his training. He enjoys it and is still quite good while in the mode. The younger dog is in obedience training now. He has 3 six week classes to his credit and minds very well when he is in the working mode.

The problem occurs when they are both in the house. They rough house to the point that they are becoming annoying and even destructive, ie, moving large floor rugs and heavy tables. They are playing, not fighting. In discussing the issue, it seems as though it would be easy to get a handle on it but it has not. My wife and I are in our 60's and need some advice on how to best get these dogs to calm down in the house.

We have crates for each dog and they are in there at night and when we are not home. We also have a good sized kennel for them to share with space to run and play. I take them for 1 to 2 mile walks daily, weather permitting. We live in mid-Michigan. We need to know how to best control them in the house without kenneling them one at a time.

Please tell us what you suggest. Thank you.

Dick and Sandy