I have 2 dogs. Both are border collie/somethings (different somethings for each - but I got them from the pound and that is an open question). One female ~1.5 years, one male ~8 months. The female is also larger than the male (and probably always will be - ~45 lbs) where the male is right now about 32 lbs and not expected to grow significantly larger.

I got a second dog because I didn't feel that I could keep my first dog (female, named Blitz) challenged. She's smart and active, and my feeble attempts at roller skates are pathetic.

Getting the other dog (Rascal - and named that specifically because he is one) seems to have drained some of her excess energy, but the puppy still has energy to spare even after both Blitz and I are done. Rascal is also more exciteable. I'm assuming that has to do with the excess energy. Do note here that he isn't a stupid dog either; he is quite adept at opening doors and other Hoodini like tricks - we are still trying to figure out how he got thru, over, under the child gate at the top of the stairs.

They spend a lot of time doing wrestling like take-downs. ie one dog will get the other by the neck and flip them onto the ground.
So far I'd say the female (Blitz) does the take down about 2/3 of the time and is taken down about 1/3.

They also spend time with their jaws open trying to bite each other's cheeks.

No one yips, growls or barks.

I've had the new puppy for a few weeks now. Both were rescue/pound dogs.

Is this play?
Is this a continued attempt at determining dominance?
(I'd love to say I'm the pack leader, but I have to admit that there are some signs that my rule is not absolute).

Is this something I need to address or let it take its course?

Thanks

Mary

Mary, I'm certainly no expert on dominance or aggression, but IMO these guys are just playing. I know my 22-month-old males must sound to the neighbors like they are killing each other, but they are really just expending excess energy. They also do the flip-overs, mouth-to-mouth nipping, and they will even go after each other's tails. And the barking and growling especially sounds ferocious. However, it doesn't last for much more than 5-10 minutes and then they are off on something else.

Also, I've always heard that male/female works well, male/male works okay, but female/female is not such a good combination - they do fight seriously for rank and position.

From what I am reading, I really do think your two are just playing - just rougher than what you are used to perhaps. I would just make sure that your female does not pick at the male unnecessarily; the male is not intimidated by the female; and that you can just sense that they are having fun.

I'm assuming all is well after their little 'tussles'? If not, then you may have to step in and take some control.

It sounds like play. In play, dogs will randomly stop, look around for a couple seconds and return to play.

In a "spat" you might hear one dog making a serious growl and take one snap at the other dog. This is the dog's way of saying "Hey, that hurt" or "Knock that off." IMO, there is no cause for concern over this unless there are other pack order problems between the two dogs.

A fight is really serious business and you'll know! Some dogs will fight silently and do serious damage, others are very noisy. You can't tell only by the amount of noise the dogs are making.

If your dogs take turns rolling each other over and it doesn't cause a "spat," then dominance isn't too much of a problem. (This is only one indication of many, so problems can still exist between two dogs, even when they play appropriately.)

However, pack order is fluid and always subject to change. As they grow up they might begin challenging each other and tolerating play less. That's a bridge to cross when you get there. Don't worry about it too much.

If it wasn't play someone would be hurt by now. My male has the females head in his mouth 80% of the time I let them run around together. I used to wonder if he was gonna poke her eye out but she's still able to see properly so it must be OK It's really something to see em running full speed trying to keep up with the ATV n still seeing em try to bite eachother!