When is Biting - Play or Bad Habit Forming

[johnhenry]

I have a 4+ month old GS pup who likes play biting with my other pet dog -- my older pet dog 10+ month old usually starts the biting "game"... I see it as a game because they don't hurt another (I think) -- similar to the playing small lions in national geographic.

I've seen on several occasions that my younger pet gets annoyed/harassed by the constant playfulness of my older pet.

My concern is that the game will escalate or will be a bad habit forming... so I would like to know if I should stop this practice... or let it be as it is part of growing.

Any feedback on this would be appreciated.

[moonraven]

Play-fighting with littermates and other animals develops reflexes, coordination and physical skill. It also helps them develop social skills and teaches them how to interact positively within their canine society, their "pack."

When play-biting they will be able to learn how strong they are. If they are too rough or rambunctious, they will find out because of how the other dogs and puppies react and interact with them. This is something that happens naturally and it is something we cannot accomplish. It can only be learned from trial and error. They must learn from their own experience and this is where they learn to control themselves.

What I do when I let a pup out with my older dogs, I see to it that I'm always there for the first few weeks. Just so I can reprimand the older ones when it gets a little rough.

[papampam]

i second the motion... ;)

[johnhenry]

Thank you Moonraven, Papampam for your quick replies!

Just got worried that the "game" could hurt both my pets... it's just a good thing that my older pet is disciplined already that when I say stop, even though she wants to play some more, she acts the bigger sister to my younger pet. =+

[moonraven]

no problem, JH! seems like your pups are keeping you busy:D

[papampam]

it only shows that john is a responsible pet owner. Apir! =+ =+ =+

[johnhenry]

no problem, JH! seems like your pups are keeping you busy:D

Exactly! But this one's a stress buster unlike office work :-@

johnhenry added 2 Minutes and 9 Seconds later...Your Post Was Merged Because Of Double Posting.


it only shows that john is a responsible pet owner. Apir! =+ =+ =+

Trying my best to be one :") ... but PPH makes it a lot easier. Kudos to all PPH members!!! =}

[papampam]

our pleasure to be of help to all the members of PPH! We're like sisters and brothers here! I'm also glad i found and chosen this site among others... *)*)*)