Rough Play

[mom2sioux]

I need some help, I think. My 4 month old male pup rough houses with my brother's 9 month old female pit. They play super rough together-- nipping, mouthing, ear pulling--you name it. Its not the same as fighting, but it worries me. They tend to get carried away if we don't intervene. My pup is smaller but acts way more aggressive. He doesn't let up. If she lays down to rest he pounces on her. I know they are puppies, but I don't know if this kind of play should be permitted.
I also have a 14 yo Aussie shepherd mix and my mom's chihuahua. The old girl is Alpha and doesn't tolerate the puppy nonsense very well so she steers clear of them unless they tumble into her space, then she lets them know in her Alpha way. The chi is a baby. He loves to play and instigate with either of the dogs one on one, but when the pits are playing together, they scare the daylights out of him. It also seems like they try to team up on the little guy and that is way out of the question! This menagerie in our house was not planned. My mom's ill and lives with us and my little bro is down on his luck, so right now he and his dog are living with my family of 4. Anyway, none of us wants to give up our 4 legged family members. Any solutions?
By the way, a pit mix has decided to call my yard home and hasn't left in 3 days. Of course we are feeding & watering her (very scrawny) so there is no incentive to leave, right? Our only "shelter" here isn't humane, they put down poor pups all the time. I am hoping to place her with a foster home SOON since there is no way I can take her in. Its hard keeping her separated also so our yard is kind of off limits to our dogs for right now. Its a trying time to say the least. But back on track-- is their rough play OK? Thank you for any and all suggestions!!!

[adoptapitbull]

What does "carried away" mean? Do you mean that they start fighting to where you need to pull them apart, or is it that you just think what they are doing is too rough? At those ages, play is usually rough but otherwise harmless. The dogs should let each other know when enough is enough. Mine play like that still and they are well into their adulthood. If a real fight begins, you will know it. Try teaching them a command that makes them stop and pay attention to you so that they will stop rough housing and focus on you. Otherwise just supervise the play to make sure one is not injuring the other.

[sugar]

Puppies usually play hard (its how they learn things like bite inhibition), but if you feel its gets too crazy at times I agree about teaching some kind of time out word that lets them know if it gets too too rough then all play stops until everyone has calmed down.

[suziriot]

Rough play is certainly normal, but it can get out of hand and it's important for them to learn when to back off. It would be helpful if they were able to play individually with an older dog that would be patient and tolerant with them, but would also safely let them know when enough is enough. And of course all play and socialization should always be supervised.

[mom2sioux]

Thanks for the tips. By carried away, I mean they tackle each other, ear bite, it just seems scary to me. They have small scratches, bumps and bites from it, but love each other very much. I've had an older dog for a long time now and don't remember this type of play I guess. I just want to make sure that it's not going to make them aggressive. They haven't been in an acutal fight, but I worry because the smaller one doesnt seem to take the hint that the bigger/older pup is tired. He can be relentless.
I usually distract them with a clicker, which to them means 'treat time'. My mom is sick a lot and can't take too much of their romping and stampeding, so she'll toss a can of pennies in their direction. (She's come a long way! When I was growing up she used a rolled up newspaper, haha). I hope these tactics are correct. It's hard to train them at the same time, but I'm working on it.
Well, I guess as long as no one is getting hurt, then they are fine. Thank you all!!!

[adoptapitbull]

All that sounds like perfectly normal play. Rough play cannot "make" a dog aggressive. Some dogs will be dog aggressive no matter how they played as pups, whether it was rough or gentle. Just keep an eye on them and they should be fine.

[apbt]

^ i agree. along with the "sounds" part and by that i mean, you will be able to hear when the playing becomes too rough for either one of them by their vocalizations. when the play gets too rough, undoubtedly, intervention is a must and they should be separated and calmed down by you. it's amazing how quickly things can escalate. what you NEVER want to happen is that first 'tango'!