Submissive puppy plays well with some dogs and rough with others, is this ok?

Question

My 13 week old Boxer cross has a good temperment, is non-aggressive with us and most other dogs. He has been well socialized with other dogs since we got him (puppy day care, trips to Pet Smart, dogs we meet on walks etc) However, in puppy school he was very jazzed to play at the end of the class and it seemed none of the other dogs were too keen to rough-house with him. So he decided to pick on a small Spaniel and play rather roughly with it, even when the Spaniel submitted he kept him pinned and had a good time keeping him there. Is he showing dominant traits or just looking for a buddy to roughhouse with? Also, the puppy day care people say he plays very well and is welcome back any time. Am I Over-reacting? I think maybe the other pups in class haven't been socialized yet and are a bit shy, as our pup is very outgoing.

Answer 1

No, it's not ok. This dog definitely has to be taught some manners before he picks on a dog his size who resents some dog running up to him and attacks. The other dogs likely are well socialized, they just don't appreciate a rude dog - not all breeds react the same, you know. Boxers are a breed that need to be trained and kept under control. You need to work on it now while he's young because he will get worse if you don't.

Answer 2

I own an obedience club and have Puppy Kindergarten classes weekly. When I find that a pup is constantly chasing and pinning one dog, it is often because the pinned dog doesn't have the proper social manners. Your dog is probably trying to teach the spaniel how to interact properly with other dogs. HOWEVER, people get upset when they see this happening. I'm sure the Spaniel's owners don't like to see their puppy pinned continually. I suggest that you walk over, take your pup by the collar and remove him. There should be no emotion involved, just neutral. Give him a few seconds to settle down then release him to play again. If you can focus him on another dog, release him at that point. If your instructor knows his/her stuff, she should be able to help you with the timing. Remember to stay neutral as he is just doing what nature is telling him to do. He doesn't understand about "playing fairly" from a humans point of view.

Answer 3

No you're not being paranoid at all. You're puppy is showing dominate traits. Most large male dogs will. Make sure to neuter him, keep up w/ his training and remind him who's boss. Reminding as in when you tell him to do something he should do it right away, don't let him get away with halfing it. Dogs are like children, give them an inch they will take the entire 10 miles! They need a structure and a leader, with out that they feel they need to fill in the void by taking over. And remember, aggression breeds aggression. If you're mean to your dog he may submit to you, but maybe not so much to the spaniel. Keep up w/ the training and little things around the house to remind him of the heirarchy and he'll do just fine. If he hasn't taken training classes I encourage you to enroll him and go as far as you can. Basic, Intermediate, Advanced and maybe even Agility or other fun forms of training.

Answer 4

Keeping a dog pinned is normal play--don't worry unless it is either 1) nonstop--your dog won't leave another alone
2) aggressive--look for the telltales like a tail wagging (just playing), hair raised near shoulders (not playing), etc. Some dogs play pretty rough, but if their tails are wagging, they'll wrestle all over the place, snap at each other, and so on without breaking the skin. If one dog looks scared (probably the other dog), separate them.

Dogs always play to establish pecking order amongst themselves. A submissive dog will dominate a more submissive dog--just like a dominant dog will submit to a more dominant dog eventually. I think you are worrying too much about this, especially if the doggy day care people say he isn't a problem.

Answer 5

a pair of years in the past my kin have been given a tiny 5 pound shih tzu domestic dog. We already had a 60 pound canine, which replace into area rot, pitt, and german shephard. to make beneficial that my 2 new canine have been given alongside we would positioned one canine in a crate and left the different one out. We did this for a pair of months till the tiny domestic dog replace right into slightly extra suitable and the huge canine felt mushy with the little canine. Its been 5 years later and the huge canine is 50 pounds heavier than the toddler and he has on no account harm her. they continuously play combat mutually and it appears that evidently the little shih tzu dominates the huge pit! i wish this facilitates and that your puppy kin gets alongside properly mutually! terrific of success!!!

Answer 6

yes it is it very commend for a pup to act like that if it get to out of hand then make sure you keep a eye out

Answer 7

yep