THE GRIFF Posted July 16, 2012 Report Share Posted July 16, 2012 I have yesterday got a black lab bitch called Tara, she is only 8 weeks old and this is the first gundog I have ever owned. We also have a 3 year old staffy in the house, she is daft as a brush and plays fine with the pup. Obviously with Tara hopefully going to become a gundog I don't want her hard bitten, is it ok for Tara and the staffy to have a play with each other pulling on a rope, one at each end or could this be teaching her to bite hard? It might sound a daft question but I want to get things right from the start, or should I just let her be a pup and have a tug on the rope when playing with the staffy, bearing in mind she will be teething as well so she will want to bite on something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malantone Posted July 16, 2012 Report Share Posted July 16, 2012 (edited) I`m no expert but have read a bit, having a 12 mnth old sprocker, one thing I picked up was always avoid a tug of war with the pup make them release what ever they have,bcause as you say it teaches them to bite down hard, I should think this applies to all tug of war, as for teething mine managed with wedges of white wood to chew on and a pigs ear every day. good luck mate keep us up to date with your/the dogs progress. Tony A. Edited July 16, 2012 by malantone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Actionpigeons Posted July 17, 2012 Report Share Posted July 17, 2012 (edited) Just let the dog be a dog, it wont matter if it play fights with the staff or has a tug of war with it When it is old enough to start training as long as you dont play tug of war with dummies or toys it will be fine. I have a few dogs and when they are having their chillout time they all play tug of war with each other with whatever they can find, but when it comes down to work they are all soft mouthed. Play is a very important part of your pup growing up and socializing Edited July 17, 2012 by Actionpigeons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted July 17, 2012 Report Share Posted July 17, 2012 Perhaps more pups are spoiled by being over cautious and over training than letting them get on with it. What you don't want to do is join in the game, as much as they might encourage you . let it play with as many other dogs and people over the comming days, weeks, months and chill out. I mean my 10mnth old lab has a tremendous amount of bite power and can fairly demolish a beef knuckle, am i worried he will be hard mouthed from it? not a bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarsdad Posted July 17, 2012 Report Share Posted July 17, 2012 I have a young cocker and a border terrier-I had the same concern when I got the cocker pup that he would turn into a terrier playing with the other dog. He hasn't and it works out fine. He is still very soft mouths despite playing all sorts of games with the terrier. Just let him be a pup but avoid tug of war games with him yourself and all should be ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad1 Posted July 17, 2012 Report Share Posted July 17, 2012 (edited) Without going of subject why don't you let him play tug of war with you the owner Edit : is it so they won't do it with game when older Edited July 17, 2012 by mad1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oscarsdad Posted July 17, 2012 Report Share Posted July 17, 2012 Without going of subject why don't you let him play tug of war with you the owner Edit : is it so they won't do it with game when older Exactly. So I or anyone else can take game from him without it being ruined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mad1 Posted July 17, 2012 Report Share Posted July 17, 2012 Ah right thanks for that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.