Rough play

Just got back from the park and Harley had a play with his staffy friend Tama.

What's the go with rough play? Tama was biting Harley's cheek and pulling Harley didn't seem too fazed and was biting back. Is this too rough? I seperated them a couple of times but it didn't escalate. Should I allow this?

Moo plays very rough with her play dates, I think the noises are worse lol, as long as you can intercept I wouldn't worry Xx

Personally, if both dogs are pups and of similar ages I wouldn't worry - they are playing.

If the biting (on either side) is aggressive and/or draws blood and/or causes the bitten dog to squeal in pain, then yes separate them.

Otherwise, I'd say they are just playing and will sort themselves out.

yep it's a dog thing, especially a bully breed thing

No blood, no yelps. Just biting and chasing. Funny you say that Ella, Harley only plays like that with Tama (staffy) and Daisy ( a boxer). Play with other dogs is in a different gear, and a lot more polite.

It's normal. Often the other dog will let the other one know if it's getting too rough, but it's normal for Staffs to play rough. As long as their body language doesn't indicate that one is getting annoyed or that it's aggressive, it's all fine. Course, if one of them is bossier or more playful than the other, the more playful one could do with being separated for a moment to calm down, as I do with Loki because he's always more playful than the other dog.

Nothing to be too concerned with espically if you learn to read the body language.

my too sound like they are trying to kill each other at times , and still with their tails wagging happily, sort of remind me of Reservoir Dogs where the bloke is inflicting real pain whilst dancing around smiling

pretty much all bull breeds will play with each other like this, clamping onto faces, necks and legs. it may look horrid and the noises can get you some disaproving looks from passers by who arnt in the know.
strange thing is when its not another bully breed my two are playing with its a totally different play type. more like chase me and dodging out of the way with very little contact.

Bella plays with Millie like that, biting and pulling at her face and neck. She will butt her with her nose to get her to play as well. Millie soon let's her know if its going too far.

The playing often sounds a lot worse than it really is. We dont let Rocky play with many dogs as most of the owners are just not aware of how he plays so we have to keep away from most of them in our local park. He does have a couple of friends he can play with though.

Totally normal. Mine drag each other around the house.