Rough play

Hi all,

Molly, our 4 month old, loves to play.

When she gets rather hyper she gets a bit rough with our springer spaniel Watson (she hangs on his fur and tries to pull! occasionally with a little growl, but definately all in play)

Is this alright and should we just presume Watson will stop her if it hurts? Or should we try and curb it.

Any suggestions welcome!

Thank you

Francesca and her unit

Staffys play rough ..fact. How old is your Springer , and what's he normally like , does he look like he's joining in or does he look uncomfortable. Our 2 get a bit mad but Tilly is much more gentle in her play , mouthing rather than nipping , Tommy just goes for it. Most important is that you are in control and when you say stop they stop

Rough play and staffy's go hand in hand .. I personally would let them sort it out themselves .. but just keep an eye on them cus staffy rough can get a little bit much for some breeds

Never known a breed like it, Moo's playmate is a 2 year old collie cross, they chase like lightening and then one or tother is hanging off the other one, generally Moo as the collie is slightly larger!! If it gets over the top just stop it

Watson absolutely loves to play. He’s so much happier now he has a playmate 

He bit her a little to hard in play today and she yelped for the first time, Watson looked mortified and sulked for a little bit. Whereas Molly just hangs on, even whilst he’s trying to fetch a ball!

I just worry about her learning bite inhibition as Watson doesn’t seem to object to her hanging on!

We can stop them. Watson stops on command and Molly is doing amazingly considering her age (I’m biased though of course). She sits, comes back and has learnt the down command- she lies on her side very relaxed and ladylike

If you can control them thats good, I wouldn't personally rely on Molly learning bite inhibition from Watson , if you think it goes too far then stop them immediately.
Another good bit of advice as well for Molly (and this is personal experience that we are suffering now) When they have finished play make Molly sit for a short while to calm her , we have big problems with Tommy just getting really over excited and he comes launching in to us like a little baby crocodile and we have to work hard on this before he gets older, but a lot og this you have to accredit to being a puppy

Sounds like you are on the right track.