What is acceptable during play

[jcook]

Sampson and Stella don't "play" too often. Sometimes they will mouth at each others faces, which is fine. Other times Stella will have a toy or bring a toy to Sampson and he typically just takes it (he goes for he feet when she tries to get it back). Stella normally gives up quickly. But when they are at the park together or beach Stella gets really insistent on playing with Sampson! And Sampson doesn't really "play" so Stella will "bite" his ears or neck (and she isn't like holding on she is just mouthing) she also uses her hands and will paw him on the face,head, or back. Now she doesn't really do his with other dogs!! Why is she doing this with Sampson and why only when out of the house? And do you think she is being aggressive? Sampson doesn't seem to mind too much, he is mainly focused on a ball. But he also doesn't want to play like she does.

She also will accidentally step on him or jump on him because they are trying to be in the same spot (like when we have treats, they will both want to be closest to us). Sampson has two bumps and a little "cut" on his head (there is no hair loss or bleeding, it's just like a step below a real cut). But still we think this is from him and her playing and her pawing him on the head. I'm not too concerned about it because I think that sort of stuff happens with dogs, but my bf is. How do you we stop Stella from using her paws so much? And why is she so different with him at the park? Oh and what are your thoughts on ear mouthing?

 

[Mooshi's Mummy]

She is pawing him to try to entice him to play, its perfectly normal. Same goes with the ear mouthing, she is inviting him to play, again normal. My Akita does the same thing to my Tibetan when he is in play mode and she is ignoring him. He flips her ear over and cleans it and paws at her. Why outside? Because she is happy to be about and playing and wants him to join in on the fun. There is no aggression. Why do you want to get her to stop pawing him? Is it because of your b/f being protective of his dog? If the pawing was bothering Sampson then he would let her know. Dont worry so much, let them get on with it, be dogs, have fun and if one doesnt want to play the other will soon catch on and give up.

 

[trixie28]

My bullmastiff girly plays the exact same way, all paws. Her best friends are 2 Italian Spinones age 6 and 2 years they are also the same they hang off each others jowels and swipe at each other. If it gets a bit rough for the older Spinone(she's a bit grumpy) she'll let them know alright! I think if Simpson really objected he'd let her know

 

[jcook]

Sampson has a cut/irritated skin on his head from her pawing when they have a toy (it's this certain way they commonly play with a toy, and she often ends up "touching" his face, it seems totally innocent but his skin is sensitive and his pain perception is weak. Adam is also worried she will hurt his eye. I've told Adam that Sampson will let her know when he is hurt or is just over her sh**, but sometimes she keeps trying to get him to play, but she is only 9 months old and sampson has a high pain tolerance. but stellas gotten cuts from him and i just brush it off because he didnt attack her and the injury was so minor. Her nails are short and dull but her paws are heavy. Darn, I just really wish Sampson wanted to play with her, that's all she wants. I hope that as she gets older she will mellow out with him more, or we may just have to get another dog when Sampson gets older lol.

---------- Post added at 06:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:06 AM ----------

Stella had played with so many different dogs, all sorts of breeds, sizes, ages etc.. And she always does so so well. I know she is not aggressive and she is submissive (not possessive either). I have never seen Sampson initiate a play session with another dog. I don't want to yell at Stella for doing normal and acceptable puppy behaviors if it will create issues but if there is no harm in teaching her to not paw at Sampson then I will. We have also gotten a hold of an in home trainer, tomorrow we are going to set up a date for her to meet the dogs! Adam is protective of Sampson. He is just really concerned that she could rip his ear open or rip his eye out...

 

[jcook]

Stella had played with so many different dogs, all sorts of breeds, sizes, ages etc.. And she always does so so well. I know she is not aggressive and she is submissive (not possessive either). I have never seen Sampson initiate a play session with another dog. I don't want to yell at Stella for doing normal and acceptable puppy behaviors if it will create issues but if there is no harm in teaching her to not paw at Sampson then I will. We have also gotten a hold of an in home trainer, tomorrow we are going to set up a date for her to meet the dogs! Adam is protective of Sampson. He is just really concerned that she could rip his ear open or rip his eye out...

 

[Mooshi's Mummy]

I really doubt that Sampson is going to lose an eye or have his skin ripped open. Eventually Stella will catch on that Sampson doesnt want to play with her and she'll give it up for a lost cause. Right now she is being a typical puppy, trying to entice him and there is nothing wrong with that.

Glad you are getting a trainer in, it sounds like you and your b/f could do with some reassurances regarding the two dogs.

 

[mklamcc]

That is how my dogs play. They are all paws and teeth. Thankfully they like playing with each other. But when one doesn't that one let the other know quick. Don't worry...Sampson will let Stella know if and when he has had enough.

 

[grazefull1]

hay jcook i was kinda worry to had a similar post but know that i know its normal im not to worry just watch them have fun n make sure it doesnt too far
http://www.mastiff-forum.com/showthread.php/9411-Brothers-at-war-!!!!!

 

[jcook]

Im not the one that is worried... lol I am worried about getting an ear full though because Sampson has a scratch. I was worried about making sure I didn't do more harm than good when it came to training. I have a fear that we will try to correct a certain behavior and since we dont know what they heck we are doing we actually make the problem worse or create a new problem. hopefully the trainer will help, she comes next Wednesday!!

 

[grazefull1]

sorry missunderstand lol i hope everything goes well with the train

 

[jcook]

ha dont be sorry! I didnt make it very clear that I personally was not worried and I will let you guys know how it goes. I am very excited!

 

[grazefull1]

oh ya my babies leave small mark on each other too but i was wondering if there's a way to teach them too play without the mouthing n legs nipping ? r is it impossible ? r is it just how they play (i think its a bit rough myself but my hubby say it just the type of dogs they r)