really rough play

[amy]

hi all

cassie and jack are getting on really well. she went offlead for the first time this morning in the enclosed field near our house and it was really good. the only thing is sometimes the play reaches a level i don't really like. she will be muzzled offlead but atm his old one doesn't fit her, but i'd like to be able to stop the play if it gets too much and they're not easy to distract. its just wrestling and mouthing and sometimes she makes an awful noise...does anyone know how i can get them to tone it down? i don't want her to try it on other dogs we meet on walks either cause she can look and sound bad. thanks all.x

[Ronnie]

I know what you mean Amy, Spuddy & Gypsy are the same when playing in open fields together. It get a bit out of hand, Spuddy before today as ripped Gypsy alweather coat, But with other Dogs in the same fields they do not play that way with them, Spuddy will bark at them to get them to play but that it. Luck me.

[happydog]

My two play rough - rarring etc which is typical lurcher play but they are very good at not hurting each other and they don't do it to other dogs.

If you feel uncomfortable why not try putting one of them onlead until things are a bit calmer?

[laurag]

you know the kids comic the beano? when they show a scrap as a bundle of arms and legs in a flying bundle? that's my guys!

the noises, pushing and shoving is incredible. But they honestly hand on heart have never hurt each other at all. and like ronnie and happy they never play like this with other dogs. well, oz would but he's a dope anyway and we dont let him!

oz in fact is the only one we feel that needs to be 'calmed' sometime. in which case we makle sure he has a toy that he can carry round while he plays - it tones him down a little.

[hippyhounds]

my lot all play like loons as well but have never done it with other peoples dogs only my daughters lurcher who likes to play rough as well.
we always muzzle them when they are offlead to aviod accidents but at home we let them play rough for so long then tell them to pack it in which they then do.
i think lurcher play sounds as though they are going to kill each other so it can be quite scary at first but you just get use to it.

[amy]

they seem to be starting to moderate it within themselves. she will do it to other dogs given the chance, so at the moment im just not giving her the chance!