Hi guys,
I'm so glad that I'm not alone with having this problem! (if it is a problem
)
Bella is now 17 months old and should be getting a little more ladylike in her behaviour, but clearly she's not!!
Anyway I've been trying this thing which I worked out a couple of days ago. Basically when I take Bella for her afternoon play with the other dogs on the Common I get her to sit and stay before we reach the group of dogs. I walk over to the group and greet everyone and all the dogs before I invite Bella to join me from where I had left her sitting. I think that this just helps as a small sign to Bella that I'm still in charge even though we're out and about with all he doggy mates, and even putting the message across that they're all my mates and she,s only allowed to play with them when I invite her to.
Anyway this little routine over the past few days has seemed to calm down her play a bit because she keeps a closer eye on what I'm doing and seems to respect the other dogs a bit more
Annette- I do exactly the same as you, as soon as the play gets too rough and Bella starts to jump around barking a bit and baiting the other dog by growling at them and then darting off I grab her and put her on the lead for a short period of time to allow her to calm down. But it just gets sooo boring having to do this, especially as I want to have a good natter with all the other dog owners.
Thankyou all for reassuring me that I'm not the only one with a boisterous little monster who tries to show me up everytime we're in public!! :
:
Best wishes Mary