Darwin Finally Became Assertive... When Did Your Doodle?

[Camilla and Darwin]

So during lunchtime today we took Darwin out for a romp in a large grassy area near our home. There is almost never anyone there, although we've seen other dogs playing there on rare occasions. Anyways, we let Darwin off and as he was playing he was joined by 3 other dogs - 2 Malamutes and a Husky. 

It went really well, they all got along and had a fun time. However, we noticed something different. The Husky puppy went to mount Darwin, and Darwin turned, growled, and made a snapping motion. The puppy got down and they kept playing as though nothing had happened. The puppy didn't mount him again.

I found this odd because he has never done anything even remotely like this when playing with another dog, even when they mounted him (which believe me used to happen all of the time). I wondered if it could be that now he's getting older, he's more assertive or less tolerant of that kind of behavior? Don't get me wrong - I am happy that he's learned to stand up for himself, and say no to behavior he's not enjoying. Just a break from the norm I guess.

I also noticed that he was sticking close to us. Every few minutes he'd come back and sit against our legs, then run back off to play more. The other dogs weren't badly behaved or overwhelming at all, and he didn't act stressed whatsoever.I was just wondering if all of this might be a sign that he's transitioning from a puppy-ish play style to an older more mature one.

It has been quite a while since he's played with unfamiliar dogs... maybe 6 months or more. 

Did your doodle change in play style from puppy to adult? Did they like playing with other dogs less as they grew older? I think I remember someone saying that their dog (Was it Adina's Rosco?) liked playing with dogs less when he got older.

Thanks everyone! Here are some pictures from the outing.

This one makes me laugh

[F, Calla & Luca]

Once at least two years ago, Calla turned on a puppy GSD  who was harassing her, in a dog park. She snapped at him and we left. But though we left the dog park, I was glad she stood up for herself too. On the whole my dogs, with very rare exceptions tolerate most dogs but they don't really do reciprocal play, except for mini wars with each other

. 

[Camilla and Darwin]

I love this picture!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Thanks C. The dogs are loving this weather and I managed to get some shots.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Probably maturity brings this about.  Charlie became more assertive when Beau arrived on the scene - I think to make sure he kept his position in the pack.  He did learn to scold right away when Beau was flying at him to pull his ears!  At about the same time we had an intact male pug visiting that was lifting his leg on any plant his height and before that pug left, Charlie was running right behind him lifting his leg too!  Ugg!  Beau (only 14 mos) still pees like a girl and is will be interesting to me if at about 2, he learns to lift his leg and also starts scolding dogs and puppies that are bugging him!

Camilla ~ your photos are so good as always!  The eyes on the two Siberians absolutely pop! 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I've noticed things like this too.  More control, more maturity, but thank goodness he is still a goof with us. 

I think, this is the Golden Age  :)   You can go out. The dog is trained. Everyone sleeps. Life is Great

Darwin, what a fine young man you have become

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

 No red Husky eyes.  Nice 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Gorgeous photos as usual!

I didn't have JD as a young puppy, but he has definitely gotten much less tolerant of other dogs' rough-housing as he has gotten older. He also isn't interested in playing with other dogs. At 2 years old, he enjoyed running, chasing and wrestling with his friends. Now, it's an enthusiastic greeting followed by a couple of bounces and that's about it.  

[Sheila & Finnley]

WOW, beautiful pictures, and Darwin sure looked like he was having a blast ! He certainly didn't let the puppy's faux pas, or in this case faux paws, stop the good time. Everyone's tongue was hanging ! Finnley hasn't found her assertiveness yet. Of course she has plenty of time, she's only 17 months.

[Julie, Boomer, Milo & Casey]

For whatever reason other dogs like to mount Boomer and I could never figure out why he tolerated it. He's almost 5yo and it was just this year that I've heard him growl and snap at the mounting dog (who never tried it again)! I was so proud of him for standing up for himself. I gave him a high five and told him to keep up the good work. ;-)

[Gail and Bailey]

That sounds like my Bailey.  She would just stand there and put up with it when a dog at the park would mount her.  Now she is just over 2 years old and she is beginning to turn and snap at them and let them know she doesn't like it.  I am glad she is asserting herself because she was getting quite the reputation for being a little h**** at the park. LOL  

[Gail and Bailey]

h**** =hottie

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Gail, LOL....I get censored all the time :)