Playing with other dogs?

[statman]

Hi. I am in need of some advice for my new Dane puppy. I am a first-time owner of a Dane and just want to make sure I am doing the best I can for her.

I have several neighbors who have dogs ranging from Shar Pei's to Labs to mixes. Is it okay to have my dane play with them? She's a very social puppy (4 months old) and loves to romp with these other dogs. However, I attended a Great Dane social gathering at a park this morning and was told you never let a Dane just "play" with other dogs because when they get larger this can be dangerous.

Is this true? I don't want her to not be friendly with other dogs and she loves playing with them...but I don't want to do something now that I will regret later on?

Thanks for any advice on this topic.

[trainer]

RE: Playing with other dogs?

>However, I attended a Great Dane
>social gathering at a park this morning and was told you never
>let a Dane just "play" with other dogs because when they get
>larger this can be dangerous.

How else are they supposed to learn how to play? Whoever told you that is very ignorant of dog/puppy socialization & psychology. It is critical for a well rounded adult personality to learn to play with other dogs. Now is the best time for this.

You should supervise to make sure that this play remains positive. I know it will look rough but its not nearly as rough as it looks. Just be sure things don't get out of hand which it probably won't.

Bill Carnes
www.skylarzack.com
www.k9goodbehavior.com

"Unnatural diets predispose animals to unnatural outcomes"
Dr. Tom Lonsdale

Causing pain, either physical, mental, or emotional to an animal to force him to act as you think he should is wrong. It was wrong yesterday, it's wrong today, and it will be wrong tomorrow. Doing so only reflects the ignorance of the trainer. There IS a better way.

[CossieMom]

RE: Playing with other dogs?

^ What he said


Everywhere I take Cosworth I get compliments on how gentle he is with other puppies. They expect him to be some monster just because he's huge. He's not! He's always had the opportunity to be around other puppies and dogs to play and what not. When we have supervised play in puppy class, the only dog that's not allowed to chime in is the Chihuahua! (Who would much rather be in mums lap anyway )

[alicat613]

RE: Playing with other dogs?


I'm not sure I'd want my Dane around those kind of people or their dogs! My Dane frequently plays with new dogs he meets from miniature dachsunds to other Danes. It is very important for them to learn to play with all kinds of dogs and to be well-socialized constantly or you'll end up with a BIG problem -- and big liability - on your hands.

When they're playing, if she or the other dogs gets too rough, just clap to get their attention and say EASY! or whatever command you want to use to say be more gentle. They can certainly learn to play less rough if thats a problem.

[EDOGG1005]

RE: Playing with other dogs?

i also have a 4 month old puppy. i have her play with dogs as much as possible!!! just as others have said, you want that socialization and will have a large problem on your hands in the future! zoe (my girl) has recently met a boxer that is 2 years old and a powerful boxer! they have been best buds in the park for about a month. At first the boxer dieseled her left and right, had to break it up every once in a while cause zoe would cry, well a month later zoe out weighs the boxer and was dragging her by her stubby tail accross the grass! :9 guess who the big dog is! Zoe also is starting to learn her strength and has played wuth aggresive dogs, she looks over at me like " what is this dog's problem?" "can i kick it's butt?" :* i love her, suck a smart girl! anywhoo, let them play! just keep an eye open!!

-Eric and Zoe Jane

www.ericandzoe.zoomshare.com

[statman]

RE: Playing with other dogs?

Thanks everyone for your advice and personal testaments. I knew what you had to say was true but when you have 10 people standing their with their Danes telling you one thing, it was a little disconcerting and I just wanted to make sure it was okay.

I actually took Sadie (my 4 month-old Dane) to my friend's house and let her play with a male and female Shar Pei. The male got a little aggressive and had to be monitored but the female Shar Pei and my Dane had a wonderful time together!!!

[CossieMom]

RE: Playing with other dogs?

This might just be my experience, but most of the shar peis i've known (with some exceptions) tend to be a bit on the agressive side.

[zookeeperdel]

RE: Playing with other dogs?

I used to work at a dog kennel that offered daycamp. We seperated the dogs according to size and temperment. Guess where many of the Danes went? With the little dogs. Some of them didn't like the rough and tumble of the labs and larger dogs, but loved to play soccer with the terriers! Play time is the best time. Just make sure they play with dogs that like to play in the same manner as them. My Wrigley is only 45 lbs, but she is running the socks off both my Danes, including the new one who just a few days ago tried to eat her!

[ruthie_a]

RE: Playing with other dogs?

Anya is almost 5 months old and everyday she goes to my mother's house while I am at work (my mother "dog sits") and Anya gets to play with Jessie a 3 year old golden retriever. Anya also plays with all the puppies in obedience class every week. I see no problem with her playing with every breed of dog as long as it is SUPERVISED!

Good luck with your baby!