Playing with other dogs - opinions needed

[Nordika]

Once a week my pup (since 3 months old, now 4 months) gets to play with this 4yo Malamute/GSD mix. My dogs have always had other dogs to play with, unfortunately our Newfoundland passed just a few weeks after we got this puppy. She was patient and kind, very tolerant and was never rough.

I'm not liking this play. There's no running, chasing etc. It's basically non stop physical contact, like watching a wrestling match and more or less a game of domination. While this dog does sometimes try to be gentle, he isn't. I don't really think there is a benefit to this type of play, it doesn't tire my pup out, it leaves him jacked up and unmanageable for about an hour. Walks on leads together is fine, and I think I'd prefer to leave it at walks only. I don't know anyone with calm dogs, they have huskies or hunting dogs. Is playing with other dogs necessary?

 

[BGpa]

I'd say: trust your gut.

From my experience with a lot of rescues and big dogs, you do have to watch closely as things can escalate out of nowhere. Imagine trying to separate these two in a fight.

If it were another juvenile, evenly matched, it would be useful. As it is, your dog is being used as an exercise device. And it doesn't read like play to me but rather domination.

Doberman males can become same sex aggressive, to a greater degree than other breeds. If your boy snaps he could be seriously hurt by the bigger dog that doesnt seem to have boundaries including letting up on puppies or juveniles as needed.

And then he'll really be fear reactive.

If your boy is being forced to submit every time, like you say...thats not healthy exercise but something else.

Dobermans dont need to be social like hunting dogs. They aren't sled dogs that naturally compete to be head dog in the traces. Dobermans are watchers and deciders, and family guardians, as mastiffs.

Sheperds are bred to go run out and kill the wolf. Your dobe barks to tell you about the wolf.

As you know, they bond to their human and as adults become more reserved with other people and dogs as they socially mature.

Walking side by side on trail getting sniffies as a pack would be much better. Then you and the other owner are showing leadership and whats ok and whats not.

 

[JanS]

I would keep it to leash walking with some training at the same time. You don't want your pup to become submissive or aggressive around other dogs after being bullied as a youngster. I'm not saying the other dog is bullying him but many other breeds have a different way of playing and it can get too rough.