Cross Breeds

How do I get my 7 month old lab/pitbull mix to play nicer with other dogs?

Keep in mind, she's 45 lbs. I'm not scared when she plays with big dogs, but she plays WAYYYY too roughly with MOST little dogs, like chihuahuas. She plays roughly to the point that they are scared of her.

Public Comments

1. This might help. http://www.capitalcommunitynews.com/publications/hillrag/2008_July/html/WhyCantMyDogPlayNicely.cfm
2. Contact as many trainers and professionals as you can.. not necessarily to work with her, but to find as many well-adjusted adult dogs as you can, small dogs included. I mean dogs that are well-mannered and mature, as hopefully a trainer would have or know of. These dogs will correct a rambunctious puppy. That's what all puppies need in order to learn dog manners -- reprimands from other dogs.
3. Ya my cousin has an APBT that LOVES to play rough. But note, it's not just that breed. We go to the dog park and tons of dogs will pick fights with her and they'll wrestle and snarl and chase each other and tackle and all that jazz. So you may not want to think of the breed so much, just that a lab/pit mix is one tough breed! The best thing is just to socialize her with little dogs. Get friends who have little dogs to bring their dog around to work at this, or have friends from the doggie park with littler dogs to come by, too. Have your dog socialize that smaller dogs are a really good thing, and that when they play nice they get rewarded. So have your dog sit and walk the small dog at first in large circles around your dog. Give your dog tons of praise for sitting still and paying attention to you. You could even hold a treat in front of them and let them lick it while the dog walks around, and then give it to them once the dog has stopped circling. Continue this until the small dog can be within a foot of your dog and your dog will sit politely and watch you. Now you can start getting them into play time. Have your dogs sniff each other, get to know each other, etc. If your dog acts nicely, reward her. As soon as she gets rough (even if it's a nip) use a sharp "eh eh" and grab her collar and take her away. If you can have a leash on her, that's even better. Take her away from the other dog, and have her sit facing away from the other dog but facing you. Reward her once she's calm down. Bring her back and continue this until your dog behaves perfectly. With this technique, you need to show your dog it's great to play with the little dog, you just can't be rough. So let her play and have fun with the dog, but as soon as she becomes rough, remove her. She'll learn. Once she learns to play nice, it's best to let her get to know as many small dogs as possible. Take her to the dog park a lot and let her be with them. Watch her closely and follow her around so you can correct her at any time. Within a matter of a few weeks, she should be great with them! Good luck!
4. Give your pup regular exposure to dogs and all kinds of people, especially during puppyhood, and you're more likely to have a confident, sociable dog. Hope this link will help you. http://dogtime.com/socialization.html