Here’s how it works: he generally tries to bite my hands, not though that he actually ever really bites them, and I try to wrestle him down. My only rule is never to give up first. He prefers playing this way to any other though he likes to fetch as well. When I don’t feel like playing I tell him NO and he gets it, usually then he brings me a toy. He is now a year and 2 months, and since I read that it’s in his nature to try at a certain point to be a dominant male, should I stop doing it? He’s a family dog but I spend most time with him and he listens to me most etc., so let’s say that I am his owner (female, 22y, if it makes any difference). Any wisdom?
2006-09-10 21:47:29 · 11 answers · asked by Miia P 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He’s a mix of a bird dog and some other hunting dog.
He never tried to pull the similar thing with anybody else, to my mom he always brings a toy.
And he doesn’t bite me, he does the thing dogs do when they play among themselves, just takes my arm between the jaws and never ever bites.
2006-09-10 22:04:36 · update #1
Depends. What sort of dog is this?
I wrestle and piss off my father's chihuahua. She can be a vicious little bugger, though
2006-09-10 21:54:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you show you are clearly the pack leader it should not be a problem. Call a halt if he gets overexcited. My dog is getting on a bit but every night he expects a playbite and 'rough' session, when he turns into a puppy again. Your idea of refusing the sessions occasionally is a good one, it maintains your authority. It is also a good idea for you to decide when the session is over, and he must accept that.
You did not say which breed he is: I'd be more cautious if he is a bull terrier of any kind, as the fight could easily turn nasty.
http://dogs.brilliant4biz.com/Being_Your_Dog_s_Leader_is_Key_to_Training.html
http://top-dog-tips.blogspot.com
2006-09-10 21:59:19 · answer #2 · answered by amanda 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well 1st off what kind of dog are we talking about?? Is he a known aggressive breed, ie: pitts, bull terrier, Chow Chow......if so I would maybe nip this behavior in thebud as it may lead to problems in the future...but mostly I would just be sure that ON ALL OCCASIONS he knows you ARE the alpha in your household, NEVER let him think he is the alpha in your house as this will lead to domination aggression problems as he matures. I have a 6 year old pug & we wrestle w her ALL the time & she is quite aggressive in her play but she also knows its just play & if told to stop will do so immediately!! Just make sure he knows whos in charge at all times & I dont see this being a problem, dogs like to rough house & its good for them & thier bond w you & the family as long as they know thier place in the pack
2006-09-10 21:55:07 · answer #3 · answered by *♥* ♥* FaeGoddess*♥*♥* 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Amazing how dogs have individual relationships with different family members. You are obviously very close to this dog, he enjoys your company and respects your position in the pack.
As long as you are comfortable with the play-fighting and continue to maintain control, I say continue. Dogs are social animals and enjoy the social interaction we give them. You need to know who specifically in the family is the alpha male and alpha female - it matters to your dog. A male dog may try and protect the alpha female and may challenge the alpha male occassionally. Very normal as long as control is maintained.
Love them and they will return the love...
2006-09-11 03:01:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it really doesnt matter as long as he knows when enough is enough. It is just playing as long as he doesnt get too aggressive then u might have a prob. Teach him the word "EASY" and when you say it take your level of aggression and put it on hold for a min so he gets it. I had a pit that was awesome and knew his bounds. Never mean at all even with company!!
2006-09-10 21:54:04 · answer #5 · answered by ru2tipsy2c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
though you're the owner of the dog,it could be dangerous to play-fight with a dog as it might consider you as an "enemy" and really bite you.
i wouldnt do that if i were you!
2006-09-10 21:55:27 · answer #6 · answered by Natasha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Play fighting is OK as long as you maintain control and he knows you're the boss. As long as he just lays his teeth on you when you're playing, you will be fine, but when he breaks skin, you need to calm him down before it goes any further.
2006-09-11 03:52:46 · answer #7 · answered by cable_kill 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do the same thing with my Pit Bull.. and he knows I'm boss. He never bites me, either. He doesn't even play it with my kids... if they try to get him to play like that, he just comes over and sets his head in my lap and I get them to back off.
Sounds real ferocious... doesn't he?
2006-09-10 22:47:26 · answer #8 · answered by MotherBear1975 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say that it is not a good idea. He will think that it's OK to bite people.
How can you teach him that it's OK to bite you (until you say no), but it's not Ok to bite other people?
I just don't want you to have to have him put down if he attacks someone.
2006-09-10 21:55:05 · answer #9 · answered by MISS B.ITCH 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Play fighting with him builds confidence.As long as play stops before getting too rough then have at it.
2006-09-11 02:44:25 · answer #10 · answered by misbehavin165 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋