Sneezing during play

AAndrews19 · 01-17-2012, 12:53 PM

Just recently added a GSD puppy (Sheldon) to our home. Something my 7y/o GSD (Madison) has taken a little while to get used to. Madison has been around other dogs periodically, but was never really socialized properly. No major problems, she is just a little unsure at times with new friends.

Sheldon is almost 4 months old, so we have had him for almost 2 months now. For the first few weeks Madison would not play with Sheldon. She would avoid him most of the time, but she showed a little bit of interest in him. The puppy play is what she mostly was not a fan of. Now, after a few more weeks, she has actually started to play with him. She seems more willing to get involved outside rather than inside. She has even started doing the play stance, chasing, and even the high pitched play bark.

The one thing that I find sort of odd... she is constantly doing this weird sneezing thing while playing. Almost like a horse. I really can't think of how else to explain it. Seems like it may be some kind of nervous reaction, but her tail is wagging and she seems to be having fun.

Thoughts?

Courtney · 01-17-2012, 01:54 PM

Actually my parents dog will start sneezing when people come over. She gets super excited and will stop once she calms down.

**Castlemaid** · 01-17-2012, 02:13 PM

I've never read anything on this, but I think it's a calming signal. It is a way of letting the other dog know that they mean no harm and are only playing. My older girl, who is dog dominant, does a lot of sneezing when playing with a young dog/pup. Not so much now that Gryff is older - though when she does it, it sounds like a real sneeze - not like what your older dog is doing. Maybe she just isn't good at faking sneezes?

?

AAndrews19 · 01-17-2012, 03:37 PM

Good to know, and sort of makes sense. Funny, I just had them outside and for the first time, Madison actually laid down on her side and let him climb on her. Then she got up and he was trying to get her to chase him. No sneezing at all.

TimberGSD2 · 01-17-2012, 03:44 PM

When my little dog gets all riled up he will start that sneezing thing. Good to know he isn't the only one.

01-17-2012, 12:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
AAndrews19 New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 6	Sneezing during play Just recently added a GSD puppy (Sheldon) to our home. Something my 7y/o GSD (Madison) has taken a little while to get used to. Madison has been around other dogs periodically, but was never really socialized properly. No major problems, she is just a little unsure at times with new friends. Sheldon is almost 4 months old, so we have had him for almost 2 months now. For the first few weeks Madison would not play with Sheldon. She would avoid him most of the time, but she showed a little bit of interest in him. The puppy play is what she mostly was not a fan of. Now, after a few more weeks, she has actually started to play with him. She seems more willing to get involved outside rather than inside. She has even started doing the play stance, chasing, and even the high pitched play bark. The one thing that I find sort of odd... she is constantly doing this weird sneezing thing while playing. Almost like a horse. I really can't think of how else to explain it. Seems like it may be some kind of nervous reaction, but her tail is wagging and she seems to be having fun. Thoughts?

01-17-2012, 02:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
Castlemaid Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Northern British Columbia Posts: 9,089	I've never read anything on this, but I think it's a calming signal. It is a way of letting the other dog know that they mean no harm and are only playing. My older girl, who is dog dominant, does a lot of sneezing when playing with a young dog/pup. Not so much now that Gryff is older - though when she does it, it sounds like a real sneeze - not like what your older dog is doing. Maybe she just isn't good at faking sneezes? ? __________________ Lucia Keeta BH, OB1, TR1, AD (HOT) Rottweiler/Hairy Dog mix?? Shelter rescue Gryffon Vom Wildhaus BH, OFA Good (HOT) "Bites Through the Sleeve" Cuddlebug, b: Mar 2009

01-17-2012, 03:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
TimberGSD2 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 387	When my little dog gets all riled up he will start that sneezing thing. Good to know he isn't the only one. __________________ Christina Kya - GSD 7/15/00 Phinneas - Min Pin 2/4/08 Milla - AKA "Hannibal" GSD 2/10/12 TJ - GSD 2/27/99-8/7/11

01-17-2012, 01:54 PM	#2 (permalink)
Courtney Knighted Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,922	Actually my parents dog will start sneezing when people come over. She gets super excited and will stop once she calms down.

01-17-2012, 03:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
AAndrews19 New Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 6	Good to know, and sort of makes sense. Funny, I just had them outside and for the first time, Madison actually laid down on her side and let him climb on her. Then she got up and he was trying to get her to chase him. No sneezing at all.

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