Mine bite, too. Just not hard enough to do much damage. Qira gets a tad out of hand at times-typical female.

If you would prefer the pup not do this, then don't allow either to do it. Stop doing it w/the Golden. The pup WILL learn from the Golden, like it or not.

Don't get mad at me, but I don't think it's so much a matter of he's too "focused" to stop (as mine get pretty focused on this outside) as it is that he doesn't CARE that you are asking him to stop. I think it's discipline. I run a pretty tight ship, and while I have never told them specifically they can't do that (frankly, I don't see the harm in it since they both enjoy it and no one gets hurt) but they still have that "busted" look on their faces when I walk in. THEY think maybe they shouldn't do it...and they think this b/c they have been raised w/discipline.

I am not saying you don't discipline your dog; I'm saying that for one reason or another, he doesn't respect your wishes enough to stop w/out you having to physically move and end the "game."

Just saw you edited and asked another question. IMO, you can't really change how a dog wants to play w/another dog. I think your big issue is the age/size difference, PLUS the fact that they won't stop. You don't want the pup to learn this, so keep them apart except for structured OB, walks, etc. Keep their contact limited to activities where you are clearly in charge and don't let them have that much free time together.

Along with what Jenni is saying, you need to teach the older dog to listen when you say stop. This can go for any unwanted behavior, but specifically this type of aggressive play. When you can do this, then you can let them romp (with other restrictions… not the point of this post though). The pup also needs to learn that when you say enough, that means enough.

Quinn is a very aggressive player. He is very much a body slammer/pusher and is very vocal; lots of growling and other heavy noises. He also can get worked up when allowed to dominate too much physically. I know him well enough to tell when he is taking it too far and tell him to chill. He and my seven month old pup play very well together because I can keep Quinn down low to the ground and not let him dominate the pup too much physically. They will NEVER play together alone. This is how Quinn always has and always will play. I just supervise closely.

BTW, he learned the loud growly play from my female who sounded like she was killing any dog she played with. It does not bother me, as they only play with dogs that are either owned by me aor that I know very well (and they do to&hellip

I'll see if I can get a video later today if anyone is interested. They crack me up, but you will hear me tellin Quinn to settle and chill alot!

I thought mine were "playing" and maybe it started as "play" or "a game" but games have winners and losers and my two refuse to be "losers" so it becomes a full blown fight. so I never leave them alone together and keep them focused on a "job"

Yeah, that is what I mean by worked up. Thankfully Quinn is stoppable. And when I see it escalating, game over.

I watched my dogs play this weekend with new insight gained from this thread and the result is that I will not allow this game to take place between them. It basically follows Ed’s advice given in the DVD’s I’ve purchased. Play outside and control the play. When inside I want calm dogs…chew a bone or relax.

Thanks to everyone who commented.

Todd

Well, I just have to get in here and show my ignorance.

I let my dog (10 lbs, 2years old, schipperke) play with my ex's dog (80 lbs, 8yeard old, boxer). I don't know if you call it 'kill game' but they sure do make a lot of noise, run, chase, grab and nip. Sometimes it seems to be very vocal and rough. But, I can look up (or walk into the room as Jenny says) and just say 'Hey' (not necessarily in a loud voice) or just by appearing, they stop. This may be due to the fact that I try to make me the most important and fun thing my dog knows, so she will pretty much instantly stop any behavior to do something with me.

I think, too, that the older dog probably needs to show more respect for you wishes. I want (at some point in time) for my dog to know/do what I expect of her from my body language or subtle change of tone of voice.

I must add, I am not an experienced handler/owner and do not have a working dog. Only a small companion dog.

I have had many dogs of many types thru out the years, but since finding this web site, I train with marker training only. (This doesn't mean no corrections, just that I have not proofed enough to correct, yet.)

Nora,

I agree, my older dog Tate does not mind me as quickly as he should. I’ve ordered some virtually indestructible balls from the Leerburg site and intend to crate one while playing with the other. All other house time will be spent in peace. No more dolls, no more tug toys or ropes. Nothing one can have and the other could grab onto. Since posting the first question I have stifled the growling invitation given by either dog. They seem to sulk but they mind me. I also don’t let the Puppy (Chip) bully or nip at Tate. Every time Chip gets near Tate he wants to play with him. I learned from the Leerburg pack order DVD that Tate has been coming to me for leadership and protection from Chip, so now I separate them and can recognize the posturing that is taking place. Ed says in one DVD that dogs don’t need to play with other dogs…I’m basically trying that approach.

On a fun side note, I’m following another DVD from Ed on Puppy training and started teaching the Chip the touch command. He’s great at it; he pushes on the palm of my hand with a chicken neck push button motion!

In summary, many of Ed’s ideas have gone against things I thought or believed in, as I incorporate his training into my own I see the control beginning to lean in my direction. I often get a strange look of pity from my wife but she is coming along too.

Thanks to all of you!

Todd

Todd, I just wanted to say that I think you've done a great job in getting this situation under control...
Nicely done!

Todd, you will loooooove the DVD's and also make sure you watch/listen/read all the free ones on this site.

I was not familiar with this process either. Had dogs all my life. Then I found this site about 1.5 years ago when I got a new pup.

If you aren't already, learn about and try the marker training.

Also, for the pup, I can never adequately extoll the benefits of tethering the dog to you. I did it with the dog I have now and it creates a super close bond to the dog.