How do I stop my dogs from playing together so much?

Question

I have a 4 year old male greyhound and a 2 1/2 year old female chihuahua-boston terrier mix (i know, kind of an odd situation). They seem to like each other a lot. The problem is, they will not stop playing together! Any time they are out of their crates, they are constantly playing. They are friendly with each other as they play, but they play pretty roughly and end up running around the house a lot. I've had the greyhound for over a year, and just got the chihuahua-boston mix about 1 month ago. The playing started about 3 weeks ago and has not stopped yet. The only thing I can do about it right now is put them in their crates which is only a short term solution. Any ideas?

Also, I have a cat that my chihuahua-boston mix chases at all times, but my grehound just ignores (and vice-versa).

Answer 1

I understand your problem. I have 3 large dogs and yes its great they all get along but when they play things break. While in the house I keep my dogs in down - PERIOD!!

I make sure they get 3 long walks a day, play out in the yard in the evening and they are taken to the park for at least an hour every day to burn off the excess energy. (I have sporting breeds). While in the house however I prefer them to be out of the way (so they don't get stepped on), not to follow me room to room, and not to be overly rambuncious.

It took a lot of patience and a lot of time. I first taught them a stop command. I use "enough". When they were playing I grabbed them by the collar and and gave the command "enough", and made sure they stopped. After I gave them the command I told them to "down", follow through with the command then told them to "stay". They aren't allowed to get back up till I release them from the "stay" command. While in stay however I give them chew toys to keep them busy. (Kongs stuffed w/ goodies, nylabones, stuffed animals, etc). This sways the bordom, and they aren't going crazy running through the house.

It usually lasts about an hour before I release them and put them outside to play. Make sure they have enough time to spend together to play because it teaches good social skills and bonding. Also ensure they get enough exercise (espcecially the grey hound) and they are constantly introduced to new environments, and new things (people, dogs, cats, etc).

Good Luck

Answer 2

Actually their play is good - in that they like each other, enjoy each other's company and a host of other positive things - not to mention burning off energy by two high-energy dogs.

Good. Good.

That said, they also knock over lamps and knickknacks, scatter rugs, bump cushions off the furniture and a host of other negative things that make living in your house pretty stressful for you.

Bad. Bad.

OK so the first thing you need to do is take both dogs to a good Obedience class where they will learn to come, sit, stay, heel, etc. More importantly you will learn to be the established "Alpha dog" in the pack.

Next, they need a play space - preferably outside in a fenced area - like your back yard. It's well worth the investment to fence your yard properly so you can let the dogs out to play without damage to your house. If a back yard isn't available, then devote a bedroom to them - remove the furniture and put their toys, crates and other paraphernalia. Take up the carpet, too - replace it with industrial grade cushioned linoleum so they can be raucous without hurting themselves.

Finally, you need to choose whether the dogs or the knickknacks are more important. If you choose the knicknacks then consider rehoming the dogs so you can dust in peace. Otherwise, pack up the trinkets and such and enjoy your dogs and their bouncy raucous play.

Answer 3

You should be happy they enjoy each other.
Although you do have 2 very high energy dogs; they need to be able to release this energy esp the greyhound.

I like the answer about training them so that you are in control when they play in the house. If you are not able to provide training and adequate exercise and playtime for these dogs then having them may not have been the best choice for you.

They are friends be happy but get some control.

Answer 4

why would you ever want to stop them from playing together? it's great that they get along so well, and are such good friends. I'm assuming that they are both neutered.
you should just sit back and be entertained by their clowning around. it's natural, and as long as no one is getting hurt, it's also good exercise, in case they don't get enough. and I've never heard of a greyhound that ever had enough running around.
I say, let them play.

Answer 5

Yes why would you want them to stop playing together? It sounds harmless enough. My Chihuahua puppy plays with our kitten almost constantly when they are awake and that was the point have having them both as babies.. so they would have a playmate. I think it is excellent that they like each other so much and that the bigger dog is not hurting the littler one. One comment though.. make sure they are fixed a pregnancy would be deadly for your little girl.

Answer 6

You shouldn't stop them, that would just be mean. They are both high-energy dogs, enjoy each other's company, and appear to be gentle enough to each other.

Stop putting them in crates and breaking their fun! If they want to play, let them play!

That would be like putting you and your best friend on opposite sides of a sheet of glass.

Answer 7

dogs should play together, if you're worried about the house let them out, or confine them to a spare room when they are playing

Answer 8

Ther i sno need to stop them playing together

Answer 9

Dogs play, this is what they do! If you want to stop them, maybe you shouldn't own any dogs!

Answer 10

you shouldnt because they do need to play together forever and if someone else tells you not to dont listen