r/puppies • u/Wiliwiwi42 • 4d ago
My Puppy Is this too rough? 4month old
We recently ended up with a 4month old puppy. Neighbor found her and can’t keep her. I’m worried our older much bigger dog is too rough with her and wanted some second opinions. Please delete if not allowed and thank you in advance!
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u/WantFriesWithThat747 4d ago
It's a puppy, so it pushes the boundaries and the adult dog is enforcing them. This is common and nothing wrong at all. It will pass.
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u/willcastforfood 3d ago
Also when the boundaries are crossed the pup will make noises to indicate so. This is an awesome way to teach a new puppy they are being too rough. It sounds silly but when my puppy would bite with its sharp baby teeth I would make a yelp sound, walk away and pretend like I was sulking. She would come over and roll over on my hands like she was apologizing and catch herself next time she realized she was biting to hard
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u/StLMindyF 10h ago
We had a dog training book that said to do exactly this. We have done it with all of our puppies.
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u/ASSMANWILLIE 4d ago
Big pup might be getting annoyed but it doesn’t look like they’re biting down hard enough to hurt lil pup. I’d just keep an eye on them and interject if he takes it too far.
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u/erst77 3d ago
Big dog isn't actually annoyed, they're sneezing to indicate they're playing, but big dog is also demonstrating setting boundaries! This is something all older dogs do with young pups to teach them how to be polite in the dog pack.
I played that video and my own dogs jumped up, barked for a second, and then started challenging each other to a fun wrestling match, so I'm guessing the vocalizations are also saying "play!"
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u/Schmeeb-loaf 4d ago
Boy oh boy… if you think this is bad, you should see my corgis go at it. Absolutely ferocious with zero damage
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u/Wiliwiwi42 4d ago
This makes me way more relaxed lol. I’ll always keep an eye on them while they’re playing, but it’s nice to know that this is mild
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u/TinKnight1 4d ago
Nah.
I have a 100lb pit bull/mastiff/great dane mix (ie, very big head & strong jaws & neck muscles) & a 50lb mutt. The 50lb dog will yelp if the bigger one grabs just a bit too much or too strongly, & the bigger one will back off.
If the smaller one isn't backing off or showing signs of distress, it's perfectly fine. This looks like perfectly normal, healthy, & necessary playtime & bonding.
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u/nick-jagger 4d ago
They’re both having a great time. Sometimes dogs growl when they’re having fun it doesn’t make a lot of sense. If the growling and noise escalates then you have a problem
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u/KimikoEmbee 4d ago
Big dog is doing great, very patient but enforcing boundaries to the little one
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u/pigs_have_flown 4d ago
Big dog is being super gentle just acting tough to teach the baby playing manners
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u/coletti_karen70 3d ago
Your puppy would definitely run away if he/she was being hurt. They would yelp in pain. So my opinion is, your big dog is playing. They know that they could hurt the puppy if they wanted to. Watch how protective your big dog will be to your puppy.
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u/smanderano 4d ago
Playing
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u/Wiliwiwi42 4d ago
Thank you everyone! This has made me feel a lot more comfortable with having her. I’m glad they’re enjoying each other :)
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u/DueTechnician4615 4d ago
I don't think it is too harsh. I have two male dogs that have a real fight few times (although went trough training) so this looks ok to me
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u/Dry_Celery4375 4d ago
Dogs are dogs. They'll figure out their own comfort levels and let each other know 🫠.
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u/One-Perspective867 3d ago
The baby will let you know if it gets hurt and that's just the way some dogs play. It seems fine to me. They're both adorable 🥰
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u/One-Perspective867 3d ago
The bigger dog is not even biting down all the way, he's being gentle. That's so nice of you, taking this baby in and taking care of he/she. It seems like your other dog likes the baby 😻🥰🐶🐶💖
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u/_ganjaaa 4d ago
This is normal, just be cautious of the size difference.. accidents can happen. Involuntary jerk or accidentally nibble to hard. But this is normal as long as it's supervised...the little dog will definitely retreat if they feel threatened. Otherwise ok
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u/Gamer-Gamer0 4d ago
Looks great!! Large dog may be correcting as it’s hard to see in the video which if he is is perfectly normal and he is being soo gentle.. and if it’s playing again he is being soo gentle so it’s perfectly fine!
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u/Threedogs_nm 4d ago
No. It looks like the smaller dog is definitely not abusing the big dog. Or did you think it was the other way around? LOL. Looks like typical dog play. I see that the bigger dog is really being kind and playful to the new family member. Dog play looks suspiciously more vicious than it is because it’s always head to head combat. The puppy is doing its puppy thing.
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u/chrispygene 3d ago
Nope that’s super harmless play. Little dude will let big dude know when it gets too ruff.
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u/Cody-512 3d ago
Nah. Just mouthing. Putting down barriers the nice way and having a little fun doing it
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u/HamFiretruck 3d ago
Nahhh it's fine, my puppy puts his head in my older dogs mouth and gets it chewed on like a squeaky toy.... I stopped it the fires dozen times but he seems to like it soooooo yeahhhh
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u/AppearanceNo448 3d ago
I think it is normal for them to treat each other like that, although you can always keep an eye on them and correct any strange activity they may have
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3d ago
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u/puppies-ModTeam 3d ago
Keep the community peaceful and civil and nothing not safe for work (NSFW). Don't argue, insult, or bait people into arguments. You can be against breeding, but you are not allowed to attack anyone here. We're here to look at puppies.
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u/Rivercitybruin 3d ago
Young dog is having fun
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u/puppies-ModTeam 3d ago
Keep the community peaceful and civil and nothing not safe for work (NSFW). Don't argue, insult, or bait people into arguments. You can be against breeding, but you are not allowed to attack anyone here. We're here to look at puppies.
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u/Middle_Process_215 3d ago
Omgoodness! They're both being so gentle. Especially the big dog! So sweet!
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u/Wild_Influence3232 3d ago
Have a 6mnth old yorkie does exact same with her 9yr old staffie brother, she hangs off his ears for ages.When he's had enough he pins her down and she gives in,scary at first then becomes loads of fun to watch, especially in the garden...dont worry.
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u/tulips14 3d ago
No, this is definitley not rough play. All is good and they are having a great time!
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u/EmmaTheUseless 3d ago
No, this is exactly how dogs play, if the smaller one doesn't like it, he can get away safely, they both like it.
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3d ago
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u/puppies-ModTeam 3d ago
Keep the community peaceful and civil and nothing not safe for work (NSFW). Don't argue, insult, or bait people into arguments. You can be against breeding, but you are not allowed to attack anyone here. We're here to look at puppies.
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u/WyMANderly 3d ago
Looks like pretty normal doggo wrestling to me. The "shove my open mouth into you but not actually bite down" thing seems really common from what I've seen with our dog.
Would I let a dog wrestle this way with my young child? No. Is it gonna hurt the puppy? I don't think so.
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u/Quick_Bandicoot_7286 3d ago
Yeah they’re biting the cuteness out of each other. They are clearly having fun. All my dogs have done this with me lol
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u/Fatkish 3d ago
With puppies, when they play fight and bite each other, it’s crucial because it teaches them how much pressure to put into biting before it hurts. This looks more like just general play fighting but maybe pay attention to the puppy’s behavior and body language as they grow to ensure that that’s what it is and not aggression. I made the mistake of not socializing my dog when I was growing up and (she was half chihuahua) she was a menace and wasn’t friendly.
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u/FrostyExplanation_37 3d ago
My uncle brought a big German shepherd. I used to go over with my dog all the time, my dog is about 20kg, mid sized mutt. They used to play all the time and the huge Shepard puppy would get too rough, so my dog would grab the loose skin on his cheek and pull him down, like telling him "Hi! That's too rough!". It was hilarious cause he was half his size but because he was the "grown up" the shaperd would submit and lick him like he's sorry. It's super sweet and natural and a great sign of bonding.
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u/thestickler1 3d ago
No, not at all. And when dogs are playing and they start to snort and/or sneeze and snarl up their face, that means they are very, very happy.
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u/MedicSH84 3d ago
The big doggo is doing really well playing with the smaller doggo. Great socialised
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u/Iamaladythatswhy 3d ago
No big dog never closes his mouth. Also he’s not towering over puppy, big dog is lying down.
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u/SlytherinShlope 3d ago
Your dog has pretty good bite control. If your older dog shows small signs of aggression, they’re just setting boundaries so your pup can learn how to play properly. Puppies are still figuring out the “rules,” so they naturally push limits. It’s usually better for them to play with dogs of a similar age and size so they can learn things like yelping as a signal that someone is hurt. When a big dog plays rough with a pup, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on. But for the most part, your dog seems to be handling it well and shows you put some good training in.
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u/ultimatehonky 3d ago
Your old boy loves the company. That puppy will add years to his life. And help keep him in great shape
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u/Significant-Web-856 2d ago
As someone who grew up around dogs, and currently lives with 2 dogs, this is very gentle play.
Notice how the larger dog never puts any weight on the pup, never puts any pressure behind a "bite" and favors responding, rather than initiating a bout. Also notice how the pup poses when they approach, the way the back is arched and head is tucked in, yet turned towards the playmate.
There are no 100% universal body language signals, but there's always an internally consistent "language", and you will never learn all of it.
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u/New-Lingonberry1877 2d ago
They are having a great time! That big guy is good with the little one.
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u/SockHoliday5074 2d ago
They keep fighting like this, "Someone's Losing A Tail!" Terrible, awful terrible... Totol Animal Abuse. just kiddin
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u/Ladyrileyray 2d ago
No....not at all! The older pup is actually teaching the younger one how to play without being aggressive
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u/AelizaW 2d ago
That puppy looks like a cairn terrier. Those are tough little dogs. Do not underestimate how strong he is. They are scruffy tanks with jaws.
Your dog looks like a real sweetie. There are no signs of aggression and she looks to be having a good time. If she wants to stop, she will leave.
That’s where you might end up with an issue. A cairn puppy will not back down and does not take hints. Make sure your puppy doesn’t harass your big dog too much, and be sure to correct inappropriate nipping and other behaviors.
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u/Sensei-Raven 2d ago
ROUGH??😂😂😂 Not even Close. Trust Me and Everyone who has essentially said the same thing - if it’s ever “Too Ruff”😬? You’ll definitely Know The DIFFERENCE.
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u/Brandeeno2245 2d ago edited 2d ago
It looks rough but big dog is just touching with its teeth and pushing the puppy over basically.
I had a golden retriever that used to play with my dachshund like that, but she'd push him over with her paws, roll him over, and then plop down on top of him so he couldn't get away and nip her heels.
He loved it.
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u/RaeRae-21 2d ago
If he was too rough the little dog wouldn't want to play with him. I know it looks like they are fighting, but this is really how dogs look when playing. They do a lot of play biting. I had a lab that would pin me and do that play biting on my head. I laughed so much when he did it, he couldn't stop play biting, which made me egg him on all the more. I really miss that dog. He was my best friend.
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u/x_littlebird 2d ago
Definitely not too rough, the big dog is very controlled to be honest. They’re doing mouth play.
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u/FoxFighter1973 2d ago
This is a pillow fight. 😁
I have two Frenchie siblings and those turds will tackle each other at full speed in my yard. I think they both may have brain damage.
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u/AgitatedGrass3271 2d ago
This is good. If the bigger dog was being too rough, the puppy wouldn't keep coming back for more lol
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u/slowdownamoment 1d ago
Not at all. Big dog is hardly closing its mouth, it’s all play. Looks to me like big dog is being a caring partner.
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u/BeneficialIron2543 1d ago
No. My German Sheppard pup used to play like this with my older lab and still do even after a year. Believe me, if the little one does something to hurt the older one, the older one will get his point across that he doesn't like it but won't harm it.
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u/Western_Dare_1024 1d ago
They're playing bitey face. It's my dog's favorite game. It's a thing they do. There's no harm in it but there may be a few barks and growls while they sort out the boundaries. These two have it well in hand though.
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u/Santuko69 22h ago
They know what is to rough. Looks like these two are playing or the bigger dog showing dominance.
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4d ago
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u/puppies-ModTeam 3d ago
Keep the community peaceful and civil and nothing not safe for work (NSFW). Don't argue, insult, or bait people into arguments. You can be against breeding, but you are not allowed to attack anyone here. We're here to look at puppies.
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u/dvdmaven 4d ago
If the big dog is sneezing, it's playing. If the new dog thinks it's getting too rough, it will run away.