A question about wrestling... - Page 1

How rough do you play with your dog or pup?
At what point do you say "enough" and end the play - if the dog bites? scratches? growls?

That's somewhat of a personal choice for you, as different people will have different tolerance levels, and different training goals that are impacted by how you play with the dog. Probably also depends on the dog, it's level of drive and the relationship with the person wrestling with him.

If your dog has a good "out" command then you are in fine shape regardless of your level. My dog actually has an "enough" command, which means to out the toy, stop rough play, cease being crazy running circles in the house, etc. Whatever he is doing, he stops and looks at us. If there is a toy in play, he drops it and sits and stares at it, and I pick it up. Most of the time, the play begins again, but sometimes, we are actually finished playing.

My husband has wrestled with him since he was a puppy (is that a man thing?) and he doesn't try to wrestle with anyone else. There were times when he was little he would try to engage others in that type of play, but he quickly learned that my husband was the only one it was allowed with.  My husband also has conditioned it to be equipment related (he has an old lightweight jacket just for this so he doesn't get scratched), and does not tolerate any bite pressure that is uncomfortable for him.  You have to watch that the dog doesn't get to into it, and most owners who can read their dog will see the "look" in the dogs eyes change, at which point you immediately cease play and give a cool off period.

In the grand scheme of things, I don't think wrestling is crucial to a dog's development, but it seems to be a bonding experience between some men and their dogs.

Auntievenom :)

I stopped wrestling when she grabbed my ear and wanted to keep it! YOW!!!!!  No more roughhousing.

I wrestle with my pups, take it as far as they want as long as its play.  And yes I bleed. Nothing like puppy teeth except maybe cat claws.  I wrestle with them too...lol

But I'm the alpha male here, and if the puppy bites me in a way thats not fun. Like a challenge of dominance amoung litter mates, I bite him back.  Usually on the nose.

We have so much fun...lol

Yeah auntie, I think itsa guy thing.

I stern NO!  usually stops the fun, my wife's the alpha bitch..lol

A stern NO...:]

I do not think you should allow the pup to bite tho.  Especially with the kids. 

Like Auntie's husband, my dogs only play like this with me.  The wife and kids are all about throwing the toys and rubbing bellies.

Dont ya just love puppy breath?

GoldenElk , I'm talking about playing not aggitating.  I dont think you should see how far you can push a puppy just to find out if it will growl and bite.

Its too much when when its no longer a game.

gsdlvr2,

I wasnt really talking about dogs, just puppies.

And all work and no play make jack a dull boy.