When to break up play "fighting" between pups?

[Jenylynne]

Hi All,

Have wanted to post more but it's pretty busy with the two pups! They are doing great. Really picking up basic obedience and "no bite" pretty well. Still working on "leave it" and recall..which as you have all pointed out in other threads, has been the most challenging so far. Individually they are pretty good with it. When together, forget it. So I completely see where it's so important to get it down with each pup individually first. We'll keep working on it!

Anyway, when I do have the pups together for playtime, they are constantly at each other play fighting unless I seperate them. The growling, nipping, showing teeth had me quite upset at first but I've read this is normal play and the body language they are using is that of playing, not intentional harm. So how long do I let them go on before I step in? Or do I step in? It seems like whenever they are together, this is all they do. Just want to make sure it isn't something to be concerned about, or if it is, if there is something I can do other than completely seperating them when it happens.
Thanks in advance!
Jen

[Tanya]

it's very normal, puppy play is rough. I break it up when it gets to heated but generally let it go.

I will add that it will be great for them to learn more appropriate play from adult dogs ASAP. if the only play reference they get is this type of play (puppy) they may not learn that it isn't appropriate to do that with all dogs.

[love my labs]

When my 2 year old played with her litter mates it was down right rough. Never mean,just like what you explained. They played like that everytime they got together until they were 1 then they played and the boys wanted to hump the girls. But the play was not as rough. It will be interesting to see how they are together this year. Now my 13 week old wants to play very rough and I don't allow it to much because he just gets carried away and the 2 year old just takes his abuse. I am not sure why she doesn't put him in his place,kinda wish she would. I say "enough" when drake gets going and both dogs back off. I pocked a word and use it consistently when I want them to back off from the heavy play. Sometimes we make them lay down in seperate spots for a bit...a time out kind of. My sister in law has a 5 year old that wont tolerate that kind of play from the puppy so she is bringing her over next weekend to help drake understand a little better. I cant imagine having two little ones playing rough that would be hard. Good luck

[Jenylynne]

Thanks!

Tanya: May 2nd they get another round of vaccines and they will be good to play with other dogs. I have some neighbors with older dogs who say they are up to date on their vaccines, but the cautios mom I am wants to wait just to be sure MY dogs are protected. I'll let you know how it goes with older dogs. I'm interested to see myself! I also have an orientation for individual puppy kindergarten classes. Curious to see how they each interact with other puppies as well.