Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 9/11/2006

Question
Hello, I have a medium size 3 year old male yellow lab mix about
50 lbs. I have some new neighbors that have two female puppy
pit bulls that they always allow off leash in their company while I
always tie out my dog in the common back yard that spans
behind three apartment buildings. My dog is about two to three
times the size of the other dogs. My dog does not instigate play
or bother the puppies, rather he for the most part ignores the
other dogs when they are not jumping on him and pawing him
in the face. He tries to get away and that makes the puppies
chase and things continue to escalate until the puppies and my
dog are engaging in what I believe is too rough a level of play. I
am now beginning separate my dog from them and keep him
inside while the other dogs are out because I feel they are
basically pestering him too much and I am afraid he could get
scratched in the eye etc. I am raising my young dog differently
than what my neighbors have planned and believe that calmness
and loving care are what have made my past labradors shine and
be great companions. I walk my dog and tie him out inbetween
to get shade, wind, sunshine and fresh air while I am inside
within earshot of him. I often hear the dogs going at it and go
remove him from the same situation. Tonight I heard neighbors
joking about taking bets and starting their own dog fighting ring
which I don't think is even remotely funny. I know them well
enough to knwo they weren't serious about it but it just made
me sooo mad. So I am looking out the back window while the
dogs are going at it and my neighbors are all laughing at the
dogs and not even considering the consequences of what it is
teaching them. Now I belive I can do better and that's why I am
writing. I realize this is the nature of dogs to play rough but I am
more concerned about how I want to raise my own dog and
whether or not I am putting him in the wrong situation and
whether or not it is my responsibility to be there when my
neighbors come with their dogs and be part of the remedy as
soon as things escalate. I have tried many times to separate the
dogs as they lunge at my dog but they are puppies and spring
back immediately. Should I ask my neighbors to eliminate their
dogs advances toward mine while I am not out or ask them to
put them on a leash while my dog is out thereby separating
them? I just don't think that I can leave it up to my neighbors to
resolve the situation so I am looking for advice on what I can do.
Thanks

Answer
Dear Rough Play,
Thanks for the note. I'm more of a canine behavior expert as opposed to a neighbor expert! ;)

That being said, I believe no one should place their dog(s) into any situation that makes the person uncomfortable or causes distress to the dog(s).  Obviously, I haven't seen the puppies and your dog playing so I can't comment on the level of play. If your dog is attempting to escape and is actively running away, I'd be inclined to think that he is not having much fun.

Dogs do play rough and it's sometimes difficult to know how "rough" is too rough.  If the puppies are younger than 12 weeks, they have a" puppy license" issued and respected by all normal, well socialized adult dogs. That license gives them freedom to make social mistakes and gives them immunity from harsh, health threatening corrections from the older dogs.  The older dogs will correct the puppies, but not inflict life threatening injuries.

Your dog's choices are limited and his ability to flee is non-existent since he is restrained.

Personally, I would supervise all interactions.  I would never expose my dog to rough and tumble puppies without a responsible adult monitoring the situation.
Happy Training!
AT