We're slap bang in the middle of adolescence and I'm not sure if this is what's causing our current issues but I think it probably is. Just looking for some reassurance really. Twice recently, Ziggy, who's just turned 1, has (i think) played a bit rougher than he usually would with other dogs. We've always been happy to let him off lead in the park as he's very well behaved, comes when called, doesn't run off and is happy and friendly if a bit excitable sometimes. But last week he was playing with a poodle size dog and he pinned it down and was, I think, nipping at it. I couldn't see exactly what was going on but the little dog started to yelp and I was already on my way in to break them up. The little dog's owner wasn't concerned and said that he was a bit of a wimp anyway but I still felt awful at the thought that Ziggy had hurt him. He was fine though - just a bit shaken up. Then today, on the beach, Ziggy was happy playing in the water, totally ignoring the other dogs around and chasing his ball and his float in and out of the water happy as Larry! Then, another Lab came along - 11 months old - and Ziggy pinned it down and got really snappy and growly. I had to break them up but again no damage was done. Is this just play do you think? Is it the beginning of aggression? I know that play can sometimes get really rough and sound like fighting but I've not seen it to this extent before. For info - Ziggy is still intact and has just turned 1 so I'm hoping this is overly boisterous play brought on by surging hormones!! Thanks so much for any advice / input!
It really sounds like normal play. Dogs are like children, especially little boys, I think, they can play pretty darn roughly. Yes, sometimes it can go a bit too far. I judge by the other dog. A few yelps probably mean an ear got caught and I don't worry much. Watch, I bet you'll see the other dog go right back for more. Loud, shrill, continuous yelps bordering on a scream will have me breaking up a rough play, or even too many yelps. I doubt being intact has anything to do with it. Simply maturing is probably it and he'd mature either way. We walk once or twice a week with two ladies who have a one year old spayed female GR and a 10 month old neutered Lab boy. They are the exact same way with each other. We hear yelps and see vicious looking, snarly faces but they are playing and learning how far they can go. Each goes back for more and either can be the instigator. Watch, do break it up if you think it's too rough, especially if the other dog is smaller or much older. But I think it sounds normal.
Sorry but for me this is inappropriate play. I would be very cross if a strange dog after a few minutes of play pinned my dog down and started snapping or growling without cause. Rough play between dogs that know each other well is entirely different and will involve taking turns and mirroring, plus pauses. The behaviour does need to be addressed or risk your dog becoming a bully that everyone avoids.
I like this article about signs that play between two dogs is consensual. https://www.iloveyourdog.ca/blog/2016/Dog-Dog-Play.html Especially near the end of this article it talks about a consent test - calling away or removing the dog who appears aggressive and seeing if the other dog approaches to restart the game.
