Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do?

• 03-29-2008 7:24 PM

  AKStickel Joined on 03-28-2008 Posts 17 Points 70

  Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact We have a 4 month old bordeaux/pitbull mix and he is a great little guy besides the fact that when outside with our miniature schnauzer bo who is 4 years old the puppy which is rocky plays way too rough. He bites at his hind legs which is fine, I understnad he is just playing then. He then proceeds to bite onto bo's neck and pull him around the yard until bo breaks free then he tackles him an does it all over again. All i want to know is what would be a good thing to do in this situation.  I know he is an aggressive breed and they are both males but I also know there msut be a way to let him know he is playing too rough. Bo is too small for him to be so aggressive while playing. Rocky is aain 4 months and already overpowers our mini schnauzer with no problem. Any insight would help... thank you

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• 03-29-2008 11:01 PM

  In reply to AKStickel

  stardog85 Joined on 09-10-2007 South Carolina, USA Posts 1,492 Points 105

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact Does Bo try to get away from the puppy or yelp?  If not, what you're seeing could very well be pure play that both dogs are enjoying.  A great way to tell for sure is to separate the dogs briefly (like for 10-15 seconds) and the release the smaller dog - if the smaller dog runs up to the pup then you're likely looking at mutually enjoyable play, if not, then you are correct that the play is a bit too much. Erin, the Amazing Maggie Mae, and Super Puppy Ziva

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• 03-29-2008 11:14 PM

  In reply to stardog85

  grab01 Joined on 09-10-2007 middle of the desert Posts 883 Points 0

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact I don't think it's a matter of an 'aggressive' breed playing roughly so much as it's a puppy playing like a puppy. If you've ever watched two pups play, they play quite roughly! He just happens to be a BIG puppy that has a smaller playmate.  Does your older dog seem bothered by it? Is he trying to disclipline the pup? Most dogs will let a pup know when they've had it with their behavior.  I'd try to wear the pup out as much as you can with both exercise and training (mental exercise tires them out too) so that he doesnt have quite so much energy to expend with his older housemate

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• 03-30-2008 11:48 AM

  In reply to AKStickel

  denise m Joined on 12-06-2006 Toronto Canada Posts 1,159 Points 70

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact  This may very well be just puppy play but I would be very concerned at letting this escalate. Because of the breed I think it may be prudent to start teaching your puppy now what is acceptable and what is not. Behaviours are a lot easier to teach than unteach. You don't want a situation where another dog takes exception to the rough play and a fight results. I'm no expert - just saying.

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• 03-30-2008 12:08 PM

  In reply to denise m

  BCMixs Joined on 01-10-2008 Virginia Posts 1,423 Points 25

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact I have a similar problem, Indie tends to play pretty rough and has the bad habit of taking dogs down by their tails or scruffs at the dog park.  At home, I've taught him "Easy" by stopping him when he's dragging Woobie around by the neck or pinning him tightly to the ground by the neck.  It took alot of patience, but by first giving him the "Easy" command and if he didn't immediately let go, I took him by the collar and made him sit by me for a minute or two.  It taught him that play ends when he does that.  He still tries it, but will switch to gentler play now when I say "Easy" because he knows he won't get to play if he doesn't stop. At the park (where he doesn't go often due to hip dysplasia) I used a loud "Bah!" to get his attention and a "No Tail" or "No Scruff" when I'd see him going for it.  Again, if he didn't ease off immediately, he got a time out sitting near me and not playing.  He's gotten alot better.  Last time we were there, he ran off after a Labradoodle (he swears they are sheep!) and just as he was opening his mouth to go for the tail, he turned toward me and I gave him an "uh uh" and he decided running alongside was a better choice. Hope this helps! 30 lbs. by Christmas, down 4 lbs., 26 to go!!!

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• 03-30-2008 2:07 PM

  In reply to stardog85

  AKStickel Joined on 03-28-2008 Posts 17 Points 70

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact Yes Bo tries to get away but Rocky is so persistent he doesnt get a chance. They do play well together but Rocky just gets more aggressive the more they play. Bo does instigate alot of it. He growls at Rocky when they play all of the time so it is hard to tell when it is getting too rough for him. We have been working with Rocky more often outside rather than just letting him run. The big problem is that Rocky came from the shelter and was abused as a puppy and has he scars to prove it so we ahve to be very cautious when disciplining him due to his breed and his past abuse. He knows eh is in trouble but he also knows we cannot catch im to discipline him when he is outside so he pushes his limits and runs away when i walk towards him with a stern tone in my voice... Sometimeshe maes a game out of trying to nip at bo despite me telling him no. He just has a lot to learn and he is only 4 months old. THe biggest thing is with his size i do not want an out of contrl large breed dog that already has the aggrssive tenencies that his breed has..

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• 03-30-2008 2:49 PM

  In reply to AKStickel

  stardog85 Joined on 09-10-2007 South Carolina, USA Posts 1,492 Points 105

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact Get thee to a good puppy class asap - you're going to need it.  If what you describe was happening in my house, you can be darn sure the pup would be dragging a line at all times, inside or out, so I could interrupt the chasing and put him in time out easily and so he could not choose to ignore me and turn something into a chase game.    Erin, the Amazing Maggie Mae, and Super Puppy Ziva

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• 03-30-2008 5:09 PM

  In reply to stardog85

  AKStickel Joined on 03-28-2008 Posts 17 Points 70

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact He does not need a lead for inside but I will be putting one on him outside. He listens inside because he knows we can get to him to discipline him. Another thing e thought about was a muzzle for him so he can play but not bite Bo. We do not want to do a training collar but sometimes I think it would be the easiest way to get him under control outside. The only other problem we are having with him is he does not listen to my wife like he does me. I know it has a lot to do with the tone in my voice and the fact that I am the one to discipline him the most but he is coming along day by day on listening to my wife. I have added some pictures of the two dogs in my profile.

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• 03-31-2008 1:07 PM

  In reply to AKStickel

  GoldenAC Joined on 02-05-2007 Posts 240 Points 110

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact AKStickel: He does not need a lead for inside but I will be putting one on him outside. He listens inside because he knows we can get to him to discipline him. Another thing e thought about was a muzzle for him so he can play but not bite Bo. We do not want to do a training collar but sometimes I think it would be the easiest way to get him under control outside. The only other problem we are having with him is he does not listen to my wife like he does me. I know it has a lot to do with the tone in my voice and the fact that I am the one to discipline him the most but he is coming along day by day on listening to my wife. I have added some pictures of the two dogs in my profile. Training Class (yeah) and have your wife take him. A few questions: 1) What do you mean by trainig collar (choke, prong, e-collar)? 2) What do you mean by discipline, when you discipline him? 3) If Bo could get away after the puppy has dragged him around, would he go back? I am a little concerned about the puppy dragging Bo around.  The wrestling is one thing and if it is concentual is fine, but dragging is another thing and may be dangerous to Bo.  Please use a dragline and seperate the two every time this happens.  The puppy will have to learn that he must be gentle with the smaller dog and if he gets too rough, play stops and he gets a time-out.

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• 03-31-2008 1:28 PM

  In reply to AKStickel

  erica1989 Joined on 02-21-2007 Clearwater, Florida Posts 2,709 Points 260

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact Puppy classes, NOW. Both you and your wife need to attend. This must be a family effort, if you want to aviod problems in the future. He is a puppy, and regardless of breed, needs to learn what is right and what is wrong. I would keep a lead on him at all times, and redirect him when he gets too rough for your other dog. A muzzle is not a good choice, and can be dangerous when left on. He needs training, and wearing a muzzle is not going to teach him anything. Now, a question on what you said earlier - you said your puppy listens inside because he knows you can get to him to dicipline him. What do you mean by that? Is the puppy neutered? if not - I would be making an appointment now. Wanting to add in, just because a pup has scars, does not mean he was abused. Puppies get into things, it happens.

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• 03-31-2008 3:21 PM

  In reply to GoldenAC

  AKStickel Joined on 03-28-2008 Posts 17 Points 70

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact training collar meaning e-collar but thats the last resort. My wife and I disagree somewhat on the collar type if needed. Discipline meaning that I am the one telling him most of his commands. I am the one that wont let him get away with anything like my wife sometimes does. I understand she doesnt mind the small things as much as I do. When he does cros the line I am the one in his face making sure he knows he was bad. I am also the one that puts them in their crates when we leave for the day. I spend the most time with them because I work from home. I dont know what Bo would do after getting away. I think he would go back but I dont know why. He starts a lot of the playing but then Rocky gets in trouble when it gets too rough. I think Bo knows somewhat that Rocky will be in trouble if they play too rough. He encourages it sometimes. I have stared letting them play rough inside when Bo initiates it only because they stop when told to. Again, outsie is a whole different story. We have started to tell Rocky no when he gets by Bo and starts to mess with him. I think he is responding to it very well. still a lot of work though. As far as the dragline. we have had success with just saying no lately so unless something changes we will let them run. I do use the line for one on one training so that Bo doesnt distract him so much. As a puppy though he is very easily distracted having so much wildlife around.   thank you for your comments....

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• 03-31-2008 3:24 PM

  In reply to erica1989

  AKStickel Joined on 03-28-2008 Posts 17 Points 70	Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact well there are large bit marks on his back towards his rear legs. they came from something besides another puppy. That is the main reason we know it. Plus the humane society said they are pretty sure of it. He has been such a good addition to our famil but there are the issues at hand that make it hard.
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• 03-31-2008 3:47 PM

  In reply to AKStickel

  AuroraLove Joined on 11-26-2007 Posts 1,156 Points 330

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact I have two pitties and this play is not tolerated at all. While its not aggressive it is dominant especially if the pup is directing or leading the dog with this action. Its not unheard of to see neck biting during play, marks are sometimes left but guiding is not ok. What the pup is trying to do is learn its place in the pack and it really stinks that a lot of people's first resort is to throw a prong, choke, or ecollar on the dog. If obediance classes havnt been taken that is a must.....not only for basic obediacne but so the dog can learn in a strucured environment what is expected of him and he gets socialization outside of the home with new dogs which is extremely important because of his breed. His current unwanted behavior is small compared as to whats to come if he isnt taught what is proper early on. Have you ever googled NILIF program? If not I suggest you do and make it your bible because the best way to take pride in your beloved bully is to have him be well behaved and he is quickly on his way to running amuck. Play should be monitored and neck biting should be discouraged by a water bottle sprayed at him or a clap of the hands. Keep in mind this breed needs mouch more exercise then your schnauzer and any extra pent up energy will be taken out on your schnuazer. Your new dog needs a job to do!

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• 03-31-2008 4:02 PM

  In reply to AKStickel

  erica1989 Joined on 02-21-2007 Clearwater, Florida Posts 2,709 Points 260

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact ok, so he has scars. Big deal. Lots of dogs have them. you cannot let you, or your wife, let him get away with things because he possibly had a bad history. My dog was abused and abandoned, does that mean I let him growl and bark at people or play rough with other dogs? no. That is not tolerated. He is a well behaved dog, and does not get away with things that are not allowed. He has commands, and he is expected to follow them. That does NOT mean I "get in his face" and force him to do things. We got passed his past through tons of positive work - praise, treats, etc. I have never ONCE gotten in the face of another dog when he has done something bad. E-collard, prongs, chokes, etc. have their place - when used properly by a professional. I don't think your dog needs a corrective collar, he's only 4 months for pete's sake. He needs training, and lots of it. He needs to be socialized well with other dogs. Pits, as I hope you know, have a very high pain tolerance - and he may not realize that what he is doing really hurts. He needs to learn, and the sooner, the better.

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• 03-31-2008 4:31 PM

  In reply to erica1989

  AKStickel Joined on 03-28-2008 Posts 17 Points 70

  Re: Bordeaux/Pitbull mix puppy is playing way too rough... what to do? Reply Contact I do not get in his face to scare or intimidate him at all. It is the only way to get his attention. I believe you have mistaken what i meant. As far as the scars, I never said they were a reason not to train him or anything. I only said something because it may have helped someone understand the situation a bit more. He does not run my house nor will he ever. He gets TONS of treats and parise on a daily basis and the only time he misbehaves is in our back yard. He overall is a great dog and my intention for this was only to get others input on what may be a good thing to do with him as far as his breed and training.

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