play fighting ?

[REVSDAD1]

what are your opinoins on play fighting with your dog ?
Rev and I play fight all the time and he stops when I say thats enough or stand up
Well last night we were playing and he got a little rougher then normal sounding very nasty you would have thought he was seriousely attacking something,he stop when I pinned him to the ground.
Know I am not sure if I should continue to play like this ,he never bites hard and really seems to like this alot?

 

[mmichaelson]

I'm not sure on this one - I'd be interested for an opinion though . . .

 

[courtney323]

I definitely don't recommend ever pinning them to the ground. This is a very forceful and negative (challenging) approach that is likely to get you hurt. Why did you do that?

In terms of rough play, it's absolutely fine to play as rough as you feel comfortable. Boxers tend to be very vocal, it sounds as though he was just very excited and playful.

 

[KonaKoffe]

what are your opinoins on play fighting with your dog ?
Rev and I play fight all the time and he stops when I say thats enough or stand up
Well last night we were playing and he got a little rougher then normal sounding very nasty you would have thought he was seriousely attacking something,he stop when I pinned him to the ground.
Know I am not sure if I should continue to play like this ,he never bites hard and really seems to like this alot?

So long as he is not hurting you and stops when you want him too and understands that he can do that with you and not people in general I see no problem. Boxers are vocal and like to play. My DH has always done this with our boxers and we have never regretted it. My DH especially likes to throw them around in the snow. So long as no one is getting hurt.

 

[mmichaelson]

So long as he is not hurting you and stops when you want him too and understands that he can do that with you and not people in general I see no problem. Boxers are vocal and like to play. My DH has always done this with our boxers and we have never regretted it. My DH especially likes to throw them around in the snow. So long as no one is getting hurt.

We bought a softmit to cover one of our hands when we play with Sam - so we can play with him like another pup would. He loves it and doesn't bit us - only the mit.

 

[hflan24]

I've found that it helps to play with a toy when playing with a Boxer, or any dog for that matter. Play fighting with you makes them think that it's OK to play like that with everyone and/or dog them come in contact with. That can be a problem. I agree with the fact that they do get very vocal and can sound mean, but I bet that's not the case. I also agree with not pinning them down. You can make them stay on their side in a "settle" but don't hold them down. You can show dominance in other ways.

 

[REVSDAD1]

thanks

thanks for your response
I only held him down for a second or two and he settle right down,right now he only play fights with me but how do I get him to understand that he can only play like that with me ? or is that to much to ask ?
thanks again

 

[KonaKoffe]

You are going to have to keep an eye on him and correct him when and if he gets rough with others. We have not ever had any problems with the 3 of ours. My husband plays rough with them and I do not ( a guy thing I guess )

 

[KonaKoffe]

Sounds fine to me. You need to teach them some sort of behavior, on your part, so they know when enough is enough. Actually picking them up, I have read, is a way of showing your dominance and control. Just don't hurt your back.