Cocker And Flatcoat Playfighting?

[tysilio]

Hello,

Merlin, (4 1/2 months old cocker), and Brodie (18 month old flatcoat) generally get on very well. However for about 1 hour each day Merlin attaches himself to Brodie’s head/ears/neck. Whatever Brodie’s got, Merlin wants. This then leads to (very) boisterous playfights. Merlin is now growling when they’re fighting, Brodie sometimes manages to get him on his back with his mouth over his throat. I’m fairly sure this is still play and not major aggression from either of them as no one has yet got hurt just the very occasional yelp when someone’s ear gets nipped too hard. When we’re out, Merlin is caged and also at night. They were in kennels together a month ago and both shared the same pen with no ill effects. Am I right in thinking they’re still playing?

[taniac]

It sounds very much like it to me... I have a 2 yr old cocker and a 9 mth old cocker and the youngster is definitely the 'aggressor'   He is very vocal and always attached to an ear, leg etc.  

It often looks and sounds quite violent but it is only play.  If Jovi bites too hard, then Neo will yelp and move away.  Sometimes we break it up, but more to give Neo a break then any fear that either will do the other harm!

I'm careful about food eg. chews, bones etc. because Jovi is quite possessive over these and if it is going to turn nasty it's more likely to be overy food  

HTH

[PennyB]

My two cockers always sound like they're murdering each other. They're very vocal and they both curl their lips back and show their teeth as if they're really determined to kill each other---looks really nasty but I know its just play. They grab and bite each others ears and paws.

[Colin]

Brodie sometimes manages to get him on his back with his mouth over his throat.

Jimmy is definitely the boss here yet he rolls on his back to invite play from Misty, so Brodie putting Merlin in this position is not necessarily a dominance thing- Merlin might be doing it himself.

Although Jimmy and Misty get on really well there are some things that can cause tension so I just don't give them to them anymore - pigs ears and empty plastic bottles being the main two things. Maybe if you can identify what items cause things to get over-boistrous and then take them away.

Apart from that just keep an eye on them and have fun watching them play, it's great socialisation for both of them.  

[taniac]

some things that can cause tension so I just don't give them to them anymore - pigs ears and empty plastic bottles being the main two things.

This is so familiar, but Neo is far too bright... When Jovi gets too annoying out on our walks and can't get any peace from Jovi, Neo will find a plastic bottle, which of course Jovi will want.. Neo lets him have it, as he knows that if he's got his mouth full of bottle he can't be hanging off him

 

[*Jay*]

Lucky you only having an hour of it With Dallas and Disney, its a constant thing  They were on a timeout a few minutes ago but Disney has just flew across the room and launched himself onto Dallas' head  I now just reach for the remote and turn the volume up

[Pammy]

Lucky you only having an hour of it With Dallas and Disney, its a constant thing  They were on a timeout a few minutes ago but Disney has just flew across the room and launched himself onto Dallas' head  I now just reach for the remote and turn the volume up

Reword Gill's post to Jasper and Buddy and you have my household - trouble is - they're 4 and 3 respectively  

[Tracey J]

Lucky you only having an hour of it With Dallas and Disney, its a constant thing   They were on a timeout a few minutes ago but Disney has just flew across the room and launched himself onto Dallas' head   I now just reach for the remote and turn the volume up

Reword Gill's post to Jasper and Buddy and you have my household - trouble is - they're 4 and 3 respectively

Snap!

I was hoping they'd grow out of it though, looks like I'm in for a long stretch!  Just when I get annoyed at Brodie for tormenting Molly, he curls up like a little angel, only for Molly to decide that it's her turn to attack and it starts all over again   .