Growling during play? etc.

[Fat Possom]

I have my first boxer pup, Rosie, and she's about 10 weeks old. I have a few behavior questions if you don't mind.

First- She plays a lot and very well with our other dog Sam. But, when she gets carried away, she starts growling. Not violent or over aggressive though. Is this okay? Sam is a little dog (Chihuahua/Pug) and I'm a bit worried about him as Rosie gets bigger.

Second- She is always trying to dominate Sam. Again, not in a mean, aggressive way. But, she stands over him every chance she gets, or she will walk up to him and "nudge" him out of the way with her backside. Sam is a very submissive and well behaved dog so it's partially his problem!

Third- Can anyone recommend a good play toy for a boxer? We have a large backyard and would like to get something she can entertain herself with if none of us are available.

It's our first time with two dogs and we want the best for both of them. Any suggestions, or am I being to paranoid? She's wonderful with us and the kids and Sam!

 

[mueltrain]

The "gowling" is probably just the noise that boxers tend to make when they get to playing rough. My pup does it almost constantly when she is playing, so i wouldnt worry about that. As far as the dominance thing it doesnt sound like too much of a problem as long as she is not holding him down or biting him... Do you walk them together? if not i would highly recommend it, it will help them become friends and get a long better, and maybe even curb the whole dominance thing.

 

[lmorey]

I agree that the growling is typical boxer play. Cash tends to growl when playing with "food" toys (the squeaky toys that look like food - pizza, hamburger, etc.) for some reason. Really cracks us up!
Be warned about leaving your boxer out in the yard - they get bored very easily and like being with their people or other dogs. They are also very crafty escape artists. Cash was able to scale our 6 foot wood privacy fence at 6 months! :eek: If you do have to put her outside for a while, get her some good chew toys like a Kong stuffed with treats or Nylabone products. Plush toys don't last long with boxers (if you haven't already learned that), and they like to eat the stuffing which can be harmful and possibly lead to emergency surgery!
Good luck with Rosie!

 

[Sansal]

I also think the growling is normal play behavior. However, if you feel it is getting too much for Sam I would interrupt the play. Rosie will be much bigger soon and she will need to learn how rough she can play with him. Some dogs communicate very well if they have enough but if Sam can't do that for himself I think you should protect him if he looks uncomfortable with the play or tries to get away from it.

 

[ehayes21]

Boxers are notoriously loud during play. Of course you can always intervene if she's gone too far.

The posturing you're describing is just that, posturing. It does not mean that your pup is trying to "dominate" your other dog. The more likely explanation is your pup is practicing the skills he'll need as an adult. Dogs simply don't try and go around dominating one another...Dominance is not measured by what the dog is doing in any specific moment. Dominance is measured on an outcome that is repeated over time, in regards to a resource.
The whole dominance theory is probably one of the most flawed theories and it's been debunked many times over by many professionals in the field of dog behavior.

 

[johann]

They are very vocal dogs. Johann loves to growl while he plays tug with us. Always scares people the first time.

 

[Fat Possom]

Awesome! Thanks for all the responses and advice. I really appreciate it.

I do walk them together, both on the same side and at the same length, trying to force them to learn to walk side by side. What a sight that will be when Rosie is full grown!

And the growling/posturing/protecting Sam advice is helpful too. I can tell when Sam is trying to be done and get away, and Rosie is promptly redirected or separated. Same with the posturing. We usually let it slide, but when she's hanging over him while walking around, it gets a little much. We're just trying to set limits for her regarding what she is allowed to do. She seems very intelligent and I'm sure she'll get there.

They now nap together which is great. I think they will be good friends!

We're already planning for her alone time as she gets bigger... hahahah.

 

[JohnS]

Maggie!

My 6 month old Maggie does the exact same things to our 4.5 year old 14lb Boston Terrier female. She's very vocal (growls) during tug-of-wars with the BT and with me, although I waited until her permanent teeth were in before playing "tug of war" with her.