My dog plays rough with other dogs. It is just play but the other dogs take it as aggression.?

Question

Any suggestions how I can resolve this?

This dog was adopted from an animal shelter. The previous owner could have played with him aggressively which might answer the question. The shelter did say that he was mistreated by his previous owner but not physically abused.

Answer 1

How young is the dog? If he is big but still a puppy you need to keep him away from older dogs. Puppies don't understand when a dog is mad or wants to play most of the time.

Also..do you play rough with him? Like letting him kinda bit on you etc? If so that could also encourage it....You have to let him know that rough play is not tolerated.

Answer 2

There does come a time to settle things, but it can be hard to judge. I once let my Lab and a friend's play unsupervised outside, and they both had spots of fur missing from their face. They healed and eventually graduated as dog guides. Here is a link to a picture of a Shepherd I had and a Lab playing, http://www.photolocker.net/images/Labman/gretchenandellaplaying.jpg What you need to watch for is a smaller dog or puppy getting the worst of it, retreating and not coming back for more. Raised hackles, low growls, and quick, sharp snaps are bad signs, requiring a time out.

It is not unusual when we have family and friends here to have 4-6 dogs in the house, mostly younger ones, and let them play all they want. It can get rough. We do confine them to our family room, free of more fragile items. So let them play, but keep an eye on it and step in when it exceeds your comfort level.

Answer 3

Yes, get your dog trained so he learns how to behave. Any normal dog is not going to tolerate "rough" or aggressive play from some strange dog. You need to get this dog both trained and socialized before he causes a serious fight.

Answer 4

start training it. more exercise will calm it down.