Playing with other dogs

[stuartl]

Hi all, Willow is doing well and we are learning loads of things like Sit, Lay down etc.

She has only just started to socialise with other dogs and when she sees other dogs in the park she tends to start jumping all over them, I know that she is only playing but I am not so sure that the other dog or owner is quite as sure.

I am happy with the fact that she wants to play, but I can not control the level of play. Is this something that I am going to have to accept or is there a way of controlling her.

Thanks in advanced.

Stuart

 

[Adelle]

The other dog will normally put her in her place when they it gets too much

 

[Cami]

Boxers are notorious for using those front feet for everything, including play. I have found that some smaller dogs are a little intimadated by this type of play, as well as the owners. We have taught Cami, "little dog down"....when she gets to play with a dog that is smaller than her she will get into a down and then crawl to them or a play bow, just lowering herself enough for a second or so to let the other dog know that she means no harm.

As far as the bigger dogs, they don't always get it either with those large boxer paws on top of their heads or on their back. They either let her know "nicely" that they are not interested or usually will figure out that they can also use their feet to play like her.