Rough Play with my Rott & Cocker Spaniel

[MollyBellesMom]

Amy, my cocker spaniel mix (25 lbs) and Molly, our Rotti (120 lbs) love to play. The problems I'm having are though none of the encounters are mean spirited, they are rough. As you can imagine, many of them cause increasing worry for me, my spaniel is going to get hurt. First problem is, they love to chase each other, or I should say, my cocker loves to be chased and my Molly happily obliges. Sometimes though, Amy, our cocker is fast, Molly will catch her and either run into her, or grab her a little too rough, for my liking. If Amy yipes, Molly backs off immediately. Molly also has what we called "tail envy" and bites Amy's tail and her ears too & she's pulled out more hair, than I can say. Maybe I'm just overreacting here, but I'd like to see this line of play, diminish a little, at least. They are both young too, so I guess that may be part of it. Amy is 17 mos old and Molly is about 2 1/2 years old. I do try to intervene and I can get Molly to stop, most times, but again, am I doing the right thing? Sometimes after intervening, Amy only comes over to Molly, to start things all over again and seems a bit perturbed, I stopped all the fun. So, how do I relax, yet keep things from escalating, to an injury. Amy has already been run down by Molly too, unintentionally, during chase and Molly practically trampled her. Anyone else own dogs of different sizes and have these issues? I've also never owned (2) dogs at the same time so this is totally new ground for me. Also, I do everything possible to see they get exercise and playtime. Thanks for anything anyone can relay on this topic.

[Snow]

I've also got the different sized dog issue, we have a 2 year old female Rottie and 7 mos old male Pug. So far they are great and also love to play/chase each other and there have been no problems as of yet. We do monitor their play and intervene if it looks to be getting too rough (usually they are fine though), but yes I share your worry of unintentional hurt. I'll be interested to see what other members say ...

[Shelby427]

Have you taught them to "settle" or "calm down"? Those are commands I have taught my dogs when they rough-house, however, both my dogs are large so they can handle each other.

I would definitely intervene if I think the smaller dog is getting bullied, or trampled or whatever. If your dogs don't oblige to your commands to stop or calm down or whatever, then the game stops and one or both are leashed or separated.

Also, 120lbs is quite large for a female - keep her lean as you don't want to damage her joints.

[MollyBellesMom]

Shelby and Snow:

Thanks so much for your replies. I agree about the intervention and I always do, I just wish I knew how to diminish if possible the amount of times I have to constantly watch, intervene, etc. They really do play alot together but again their size difference really concerns me more than anything. I agree too about the weight, she was actually 10 pounds heavier in Oct when we rescued her and we are constantly doing all we can to get her weight down to a more healthy size. I agree about the joint issues and a host of others I know can occur. Thanks again for taking time to respond.

[SABELLESMOM]

Originally Posted by MollyBellesMom

I do try to intervene and I can get Molly to stop, most times, but again, am I doing the right thing? Sometimes after intervening, Amy only comes over to Molly, to start things all over again and seems a bit perturbed, I stopped all the fun. So, how do I relax, yet keep things from escalating, to an injury. Amy has already been run down by Molly too, unintentionally, during chase and Molly practically trampled her. Anyone else own dogs of different sizes and have these issues?

In short order: 1) Yes. 2) Too bad, so sad, Amy dear... you don't count! Only the "boss" counts. 3) Keep doing what you are doing. There is nothing wrong stopping behaviors that make you uncomfortable, or are potentially dangerous. You're being responsible. That alone, should make you relax. 4) I have the same combination, except I have 2 Rottie girls and 1 Cocker Spaniel.

Take courage. Stop or interupt any undesirable behaviors. Continue to do so for as long as it takes. My dogs simply shrug and start doing something else. So...you do get there, eventually. It may take a month, it may take longer. After that, you will still need occasional "reminders," like once a month. It depends on how consistant and effective you can be.

Most dogs, while they have good instincts and intellegence, need guidance as to what you will or will not allow. They are not mind readers.

Mine need a once a month or so reminder not to bark at people on the sidewalk. My neighbors think it's hysterical when they hear me say, "Girls, I don't recall giving anyone permission to bark. Please stop."" from inside the house, and they stop!

Good luck.