Well, I think it would be sad to make them stop altogether- they do it because it's fun, and it increases their bond. (And I think it's fun to watch dogs wrestle each other.) But I don't think it would be out of line to teach them that there's a place and time for that, like outdoors, or at the dog park.

We discouraged Sampson and Bruno from play-fighting in the house, because they scratch the wood floors and might knock something over. (Both are large dogs.) I just make noises that show my displeasure (AH! Uh-Uh! Hey! etc) and grab the more assertive one and move him away. If they are trying to really go at it, I put them outside. Doing this for several months seems to have decreased the frequency of indoor wrestling in my house.

Bruno answered on 3/29/11. Helpful? / 0

You shouldn't try to make them stop playing altogether, I'm sure you wouldn't want to be told that you could no longer do anything that entertained you. However, if them playing in the house annoys you, then simply move them outside.

Maybe it's their way of saying they have too much energy to lie around, or that they are bored. Ours can never stay too long inside without having to get up and do something, ie namely play fighting or chasing each other round the hallway. If this happens we just put them back outside to burn off some of their energy before they can come back in.

Shep answered on 3/29/11. Helpful? / 1