How do I discourage play fighting between my puppies?

Question

I have two puppies (wiemeraner mix) and they are brother and sister. They are almost 4 months old and are getting big. They always want to play fight with each other, which is fine, but it often turns too rough or even bloody. I understand they are puppies and are full of energy, but I just don't want to see one get hurt. How do I discourage this behavior with out making them think "play fighting" is bad?

Answer 1

Dogs are pack animals. They instinctively try to assert their dominance on other animals of their 'pack' to establish their place in the pecking order. (This is one of the reasons being firm and consistent in your training of puppies is so important...it establishes YOU as the Alpha member of your dogs' pack). Play fighting is a normal, and important, part of puppy growth. The more you are able to allow puppies to socialize with other dogs and people the better.

In all the years I've owned dogs I've never had one puppy seriously injure another. Of course you want to make sure the area they are playing together in is safe for them.

Answer 2

Puppies Play Fighting

Answer 3

Hi there I am a Veterinarian Tech and former dog trainer. My best advice is to NOT discourage this play fighting. This is all part of what puppies do to show each other what appropriate play is. I know at times it gets rough, but do not interfere. Chances are, your dogs will not seriously injure one another. I do however recommend that you make sure the environment in which they are doing this playing is safe. Dogs can get so focused on playing they tend to not pay attention to anything in the way or anything that could potentially cause harm. Eventually this play fighting will dwindle down. It will most likely never go away, but they wont do it as often. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How do I discourage play fighting between my puppies?
I have two puppies (wiemeraner mix) and they are brother and sister. They are almost 4 months old and are getting big. They always want to play fight with each other, which is fine, but it often turns too rough or even bloody. I understand they are puppies and are full of energy, but I just...

Answer 5

For the time being, I think you should keep them separated when you are not around.

I used to get very nervous about playfighting and new dog introductions while the pecking order gets sorted out. Now I have a pattern that works better.

When the dogs first get together after separation, or when they are ready to start playing, I insert myself into the interaction by laughing, encouraging while the play is still gentle, comforting as needed. BUT the moment one gets too earnest about it, I make one sharp negative sound and immediately put an end to the interaction in a comforting regretful but firm tone of voice. And then I drop the subject till next time.

EDIT: I should have mentioned that playfighting is part of the all-important socialization process and establishment of the pecking order But not to the point of blood...

Answer 6

it is hard.....but puppies will be puppies. I have brother and sister boxers and they are 2 years old and we have had them since they was 8 wks. so they have always been together......let them play cuase they will not matter what you do. just when they start to get to rough say somthing. basically hey no (and their name)! mainly the one that you saw get to rough first they will stop for a minute and go back at it. but they will eventually take the hint they can play as long as they don't go past that point. also you can get a rope for them to play tug-a-war. that way they are not really biting each other. also you need to play with them and when they start to get to rough tell them no. they will learn and and they will use it on each other also. its not gonna stop right away but it will sometime. you just have to train thats all

Answer 7

You should listen to Perry Como's "It's Impossible". Canines natural ability to survive is instinctive, and play fighting cannot be stopped in healthy canine pups.

Answer 8

By playing in a way that we view as "too rough" they are in fact teaching each other what will hurt. If they don't learn it now, they may eventually hurt someone else.