Should I let them play this rough?

[Carriesue]

I know GSD's like to play rough and that doesn't bother me, my main concern is letting my almost 12 week old rough house with his "older brother".

I usually stand very close to them when they're playing and only allow them short sessions because the golden gets over stimulated sometimes. But they both seem to love it and the pup always wants to run back in for more, I just worry about the size difference... for now.

The play I'm talking about is a little further in the video... I've never had my own dogs play like this lol, they have always just ignored each other so this is new for me. Am I being a worry wort?

Sam And Ollie Playing - YouTube

Sam And Ollie Playing - YouTube

[Kyleigh]

What a great video! Personally, I saw nothing wrong with their play, BUT I couldn't hear anything from the dogs.

Had I heard yelping and the golden not backing off I would have interrupted and stopped play.

Around the 3 minute mark, I noticed that Ollie actually had a great grip of the golden's gums / jaw and the golden didn't seem to mind at all.

If you think that's rough ... you would freak out at some of Kyleigh's play! She's so loud she sounds like a baby lion!

They looked like they were having a blast, and the golden looked like he was initiating a lot of the play, and teaching Ollie the rules!

I have a video of it, but I don't know how to upload it on here!

[Zeeva]

Very cute video. I don't see anything wrong. Here are my two for comparison

Roughing it! - YouTube

Roughing it! - YouTube

I was suggested from my video to take off their collars if they play like this because the collar can get caught in their teeth and choke the other doggie very quickly. I don't see your doggies getting caught up in the collars but if they do, I'd suggest taking them off for you you as well!

[Jag]

I agree. Looks OK to me. I thought the golden had Ollie's muzzle in his mouth..which I wouldn't allow as it's dominance. However, the pup looked like he was having a good time! The only worry I had was the toy that Sam had in his mouth because you'd said he resource guards toys. That may start a fight in the future. You should see Grim and Layla play, LOL!! It's REALLY rough! I guess I should get a vid of that. He sounds like a young bear the entire time they play. They also 'body slam' each other. He knocked her over twice outside at full speed when she was trying to poo the other day. I did get after him for that, but he ignored me. Oh, the collars I haven't had an issue with, but the day Layla had her harness on for the trip to my MIL's house, Grim was dragging her around by her harness, LOL!

Boy, Ollie has GROWN!! Such a good looking boy!

[Jag]

Amina, you dogs are gorgeous!! Good example of typical shepherd rough housing!

[Zeeva]

Originally Posted by Jag

Amina, you dogs are gorgeous!! Good example of typical shepherd rough housing!

Thanks c: They're a good pair. I used to have a big park across the street from my home in Las Vegas. You should've seen them rough house there. They used to be off leash. Just wish I had a bigger backyard but I'm greatful nonetheless :P

[Carriesue]

Thanks! And good point about the noises they make, there wasn't any yelping just play growling and angry bear cub noises from Ollie.

This is what I wanted though, for them to play together like this because the golden wants so bad to play but my smaller dogs were NOT interested LOL.

I'll still feel better about this when Ollie is bigger lol!

[Carriesue]

Originally Posted by Jag

I agree. Looks OK to me. I thought the golden had Ollie's muzzle in his mouth..which I wouldn't allow as it's dominance. However, the pup looked like he was having a good time! The only worry I had was the toy that Sam had in his mouth because you'd said he resource guards toys. That may start a fight in the future. You should see Grim and Layla play, LOL!! It's REALLY rough! I guess I should get a vid of that. He sounds like a young bear the entire time they play. They also 'body slam' each other. He knocked her over twice outside at full speed when she was trying to poo the other day. I did get after him for that, but he ignored me. Oh, the collars I haven't had an issue with, but the day Layla had her harness on for the trip to my MIL's house, Grim was dragging her around by her harness, LOL!

Boy, Ollie has GROWN!! Such a good looking boy!

For some reason Sam doesn't seem to resource guard outside as much but I pay VERY close attention to his body language and if I see any body stiffening I take the toy and if I'm not paying close attention to them then no toys. But for whatever reason Sam likes to have the dogs try to take his toy when he's outside sometimes.

And thanks! I couldn't tell that he'd grown until I watched a video today of the first day I brought him home. His ears are being funny today and going every which way, up and down lol.

[x11]

cute vids, i don't see anything wrong - the risk of possiby hurting a joint/limb is prolly more than a bite i would think.

some folks believe all "play" is a role play for a future fight for dominance???

here are my clowns getting rough many months ago;

tunnel fight - YouTube

tunnel fight - YouTube

[Carriesue]

Originally Posted by Zeeva

Very cute video. I don't see anything wrong. Here are my two for comparison

Roughing it! - YouTube

I was suggested from my video to take off their collars if they play like this because the collar can get caught in their teeth and choke the other doggie very quickly. I don't see your doggies getting caught up in the collars but if they do, I'd suggest taking them off for you you as well!

Beautiful dogs Zeeva! Someday I want a husky, someday!

And thanks for reminding me about the collars, the golden is pretty gentle with his mouth but never hurts to be safer than sorry.