Will my puppy play rough when grown?

[CherylHampton]

Lots of questions but will get to them in another post😊for now...Shiloh has been playing with a young dog (grown) and they sometimes get a bit rough with each other. Most of their contact is around the neck and face nipping, snapping etc...but both seem to be fine with it. I've had them break a couple of times and they will stop for water breaks and then back at it. My question is its if he plays like this regularly will this continue into adulthood? He's going to be a large dog and will outweigh his playmate considerably. In addition my granddaughter has a 3year old mini schnauzer (?) and he's already bigger than her. Interestingly enough he tried to engage her to play but he never tried to jump on her, nip at her etc..he play bowed and barked an ran back and forth etc...Chloe wasn't impressed and let him know. He finally sat extended his paw to her which she promptly ignored. So he decided to play fetch with my granddaughter. Oh he offered his tug rope to Chloe no go. Just wondered if a dogs play style remains the same because he could accidentally hurt her if so and want to head this off at the pass if I need too thanks!

[Adrienne]

Hi Cheryl,

This is not easy to predict as there may be several variables. Dog behavior may never be totally static on several fronts and there may changes depending on individual circumstances. For instance, take both genetics and the environment in which he is raised.

Genetically, shepherds/shepherd mixes may be prone to forms of play that mimics their natural herding instincts to herd, which includes: staring, stalking, and chasing. Some of these dogs can be also quite controlling, something that not all dogs are willing to tolerate. Some breeds under the herding group may enjoy nipping heels. Hence, it's important to monitor for signs of a playmate getting tired of having their movement controlled.

The environment, can too a play a role. If young puppies get to play with other puppies (like in a controlled setting e.g. puppy classes), they may refine more their bite inhibition and may learn to play more gently and adjust their playing styles with specific pups. Bully pups sometimes are put with older puppies or suitable adult dogs, who can act as "teacher dogs,"  which will teach the pup in a firm, yet, gentle way to modulate their play style to a more acceptable level. 

In controlled settings, where there is careful monitoring and recognition of when play gets out of hand, pups can also be given routine breaks when they engage in inappropriate play as often as needed. As puppies tire, they may also start sometimes behaving inappropriately and both parties may benefit from a break.

In general, as long as both pups are having fun, it should all be good. One should though always monitor the body language of the dog being chased or pinned repeatedly. Are the ears back? Is the tail between the legs? Is the chased dog trying to hide? Does she seem uncomfortable when cornered or when the other dog is in her face? If so, chances are good she isn't enjoying the interaction, but sometimes, things aren't cut and dried as desired, or one may not be able to interpret body language accurately.

There is one way easy way though to find out whether what looks like a "victim dog" is feeling really intimidated and not comfortable in a specific play session. All it takes is to get ahold of the "instigator" for a few seconds and observe the "victims'' behavior. Does she seem relieved and try to leave, or is she looking for her playmate and tries to re-engage him play? If the latter takes place, most likely she enjoys this type of play and is just coming back for more.

I take it as a good sign that Shiloh never tried to jump on her, nip at her etc. and that he play bowed and barked and ran back and forth etc. It seems like he was inviting her and testing to see whether Chloe wanted to play, and it seems like he did well in reading her intent to not play, so much so, that he decided to play fetch with your granddaughter.  If he would act pushy though and Chloe is trying to make him stop and he doesn't stop, then you may want to intervene. 

Large pups and smaller pup play always needs careful supervision. Large pups need to play gently, engaging in what is known as "self-handicapping" in other words, they should adjust their play style to match the smaller pups. Not all pups are naturally skilled for this, but when they are, it can be quite endearing to watch. 

Now, behavior in dogs is never static, there are always chances for changes. For instance, as pups grow and get close to become adolescent, they may become more bold and pushy in their interactions. Then, as they reach social maturity around 12 to 36 month of age several dogs start getting standoffish, some to the point that they may no longer get along well with other dogs or may no longer tolerate certain things from them. And this is fine too- and we may just have to come to accept that, just like people, there are dogs who like to mingle and party, while others prefer to read and sip on a cup cocoa in front of a crackling fireplace 🙂

[CherylHampton]

Thanks so much for the input. Shiloh has done pretty well I think, also when his playmate breaks play and wants a pet from me, he just sits back and waits,no signs of jealousy or being possessive but always ready to get back in the game. I realize he's still quite young but hope he continues to be a social butterfly with good manners. When he sees Chloe again he will be much bigger so I will definitely stand watch. She's a bit territorial but a gentle little doggy soul. Thanks again for the support off to another post to ask a couple of questions😊

[Adrienne]

He seems to be doing well. I like how he sits back and waits when you give attention to your playmate, that's very nice. He deserves praise and some recognition for being so patient!