Is it normal for my larger dog to sit on my mom's little dog? Seemed like play, but worried.

Yesterday afternoon, while they were in the yard together, I noticed my larger dog sitting right on top of my mom's little dog. They seemed to be playing, and neither of them seemed distressed, but I'm concerned about whether this behavior is safe or typical. Could this just be playful behavior, or should I be more cautious about allowing them to play like this?

Answer

It sounds like your dogs were engaging in play, and this can be typical behavior. However, it's important to ensure that both dogs are comfortable and safe during their interactions.

  • Monitor their play to ensure both dogs feel safe.
  • Look for signs of stress or discomfort in either dog.
  • Separate them if play gets too rough or one dog seems distressed.

When dogs play, they often exhibit behaviors like gentle mounting, but it's crucial to ensure that neither dog is uncomfortable. Larger dogs should be discouraged from sitting on smaller ones to prevent accidental injury. Always supervise playtime between dogs of different sizes to maintain a safe environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it normal for larger dogs to sit on smaller dogs during play?

    While it can be normal for dogs to exhibit mounting behavior during play, it's important to ensure that the smaller dog is not feeling threatened or getting hurt.

  • How can I tell if the smaller dog is unhappy during play?

    Signs of discomfort include yelping, trying to escape, hiding, or snapping. If your smaller dog displays these behaviors, it might be best to intervene in their play.

  • What should I do if the play seems too rough?

    It's important to intervene and separate the dogs if play becomes too intense or if you notice any signs of aggression or distress.

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