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

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

That last one is a giggle, isn't it!!!! Ned began to assert himself  when he was two.  That is when he needed to take over as pack leader.

[Gail and Bailey]

Your photos are fabulous, Camilla!!!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Darwin is growing up Mom!   Love the photos and Darwin certainly picked beautiful dogs to play with:)

[Pat and Traveler]

Beautiful photos, Camilla!

Trav went through a big change when he "grew up."  I think it was sometime between age 2 and 3.  He suddenly realized the yard was his territory, and he started patrolling, and noticing who and what was out there on his sidewalk.  He also pretty much stopped playing with other dogs, though he will run around with small dogs, especially if they'll chase him.  He's much more wary of big dogs, though he's fine with them if he's given a few minutes for a low-key introduction.  After the introduction, he's far more interested in the dogs' owners or anybody who has a ball.   

[Camilla and Darwin]

Thanks for your input everyone! It sounds like Darwin is just putting on his big boy pants. LOL. 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Yes, Tara did the same thing recently with a puppy. It was just getting too wild for her so she let him know about it.  I guess our babies are growing up! How old is Darwin now-Tara is 4.

Love the photos!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin is 4 too!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I love the pictures....looks like they're all having fun.  G & M go to Daycare one or two days a week (and always have) so they're used to playing with other dogs.  Murph can be a bully, but they manage that well at the Daycare.  Guinness is pretty self confident and knows how to let other dogs know if he doesn't like something that they're doing, although at Daycare I've noticed that they always verbally correct a dog for any growling and if it happens again they go to the "time out" area until they calm down.  It sounds like this was a good experience overall....Darwin communicated that he didn't like the behavior....and the other dog listened and backed down....perfect.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

My honorary nephew is growing up :) Fudge always had trouble with Huskies! Love the photos.

[Christine & Shelby]

Great Photos Camilla! Shelby has gotten more assertive as she's gotten older as well. She is pretty submissive in many ways, but I often see/hear her giving warning signals to other dogs when they are doing things she doesn't like.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Gorgeous pics! I find those blue eyes on the huskies a little spooky and unnerving for some reason but they are beautiful dogs. Quincy did put a Pit Bull puppy in it's place when it was jumping in his face. It caught me quite off guard at the time. Since his unfortunate incident with a Bull Mastiff he is now a bit reactive with some dogs and for some reason he does not like any GSD.

He is not a player and after the initial meet and greet and and few seconds of the doggy dance he wants to be left alone.

[Meridith and Lola]

Love your pictures as always- you are so talented.

When Lola was a puppy so many dogs tried to hump her it was crazy. Owners would constantly say to me, "I don't understand, my dog never humps".  Lola learned to stick up for herself pretty quickly but now she doesn't even liked when a dog comes behind her to sniff.  She just quickly sits down.  It's actually kind of amusing.

Lola is 5 now but since she was 2 1/2 - 3, she is not that interested in playing with other dogs.  Every once in awhile she finds one that she will play with (except her best friend of course).