Will they ALWAYS play so roughly?

[susansmom]

My mom and I have 7 1/2 month old Yorkie litter mates. I take my Susan over to Mom's a couple of times a week and the puppies play until they drop. But they play SO rough! They grab each other by the topknot or halter and drag each other around or pounce on one another and wrestle for a long time, then break away, chase at full tilt, catch, throw to the ground and wrestle some more. Neither one seems to be the aggressor. They aren't fighting. They're just playing, but they go at it so rough for hours on end. Then they'll retire to laps for a short time and start in again. It doesn't matter if they're inside or outside. It's the same story. They'll eat peacefully out of the same bowl, chew on the same toys, run to the window together and bark at the same joggers. But they wear my parents out just watching them. They only time they seem to get mad is if one of them is resting quietly on her own momma's lap and the other tries to get into the same lap. THEN it's a fight. We keep thinking they'll settle down, but my dad has a plea -- is it going to happen and how long will it take????

[txshopper73]

They WILL calm down eventually. It's still their puppy stage. they'll out grow it.

[hle_625]

When I brought my 2nd yorkie home I was constantly worrying that they were hurting each other but after a few day I just decided that if they were playing too rough then one of them would yelp. Thats just the way I look at it because I am a big worry wart. My husband kept getting mad at me bc I was constantly breaking up their play time bc I thought they were playing too rough, but like I said one of them lets you know when things are getting too rough.

[lilfoot]

my pups also play rough...when one is trying to get on the couch the other one will run up and grab it by the nub of the tail and pull it down..over and over again...or if one finally makes it on the couch that one will bite the other one in the face as it trying to get up...when they are playing rough all you here is crying from one or the other and if you seperate them to let them cool down as soon as you let them go they start right back in again so I have given up trying to keep playtime peaceful..

[Julz]

They are behavig normally. They will settle down eventually and BELIEVE IT OR NOT.....you will miss it. It kind of sneeks up on you and then all the sudden you 2 will find yourselves saying to eachother..."Remember when they used to....." and you will feel a little saddened.

[mustangbee]

Sounds like their having lots of fun!
It's the puppy stage!
I bet you get some great pictures!

[susansmom]

This is good to hear, but I think you're right about saying someday we'll look back on this stage and miss it. Both of my parents are very ill with terminal diseases and the puppies give us something to laugh about and something happy to talk about. Personally, I'm glad to hear they will settle down because someday I will probably have both dogs. Mom and Dad are both still up and around and able to do most things. But Little Bit gives them so much comfort and joy especially when they're feeling particularly bad. This is working very well for them but I wouldn't recommend getting a puppy for very ill people unless there is someone who will be willing to step in and take the puppy when it becomes necessary. That's one reason I try to spend a lot of time with Little Bit, brushing her and playing with her so she won't be too upset some day. She's a poor eater, so this seems particularly important. I wonder if she would stop eating entirely in a completely strange environment with completely strange people.

[livingdustmops]

Originally Posted by susansmom

This is good to hear, but I think you're right about saying someday we'll look back on this stage and miss it. Both of my parents are very ill with terminal diseases and the puppies give us something to laugh about and something happy to talk about. Personally, I'm glad to hear they will settle down because someday I will probably have both dogs. Mom and Dad are both still up and around and able to do most things. But Little Bit gives them so much comfort and joy especially when they're feeling particularly bad. This is working very well for them but I wouldn't recommend getting a puppy for very ill people unless there is someone who will be willing to step in and take the puppy when it becomes necessary. That's one reason I try to spend a lot of time with Little Bit, brushing her and playing with her so she won't be too upset some day. She's a poor eater, so this seems particularly important. I wonder if she would stop eating entirely in a completely strange environment with completely strange people.

I am sorry to hear about your parents that is hard. I am also glad you are ready to step in with their puppy. It always broke my heart when someone bought a puppy in their late 70's and then passed on and no one in the family wanted their spoiled little Yorkie. Of course this could happen to anyone and is a good reason for everyone to have a plan for their babies so they don't end up in rescue.

If you end up with Little Bit she is not going with a complete stranger, maybe a new home but not a complete stranger. I have found with most of the rescue's that came in they adapted pretty quick to their new environment and also when we adopted them out to their forever home. I know we all think they will die of a broken heart (and they will be very sad) but usually they move on and appreciate the love you give them. I know they never forget but they do move on.

The one thing you might consider is that both of you feed your dogs the same food so if she has to come to your house there is not a change in her diet. This could help in the transition. Of course in many of our rescue situation we never knew what they ate or the owners were feeding them very poor quality food and so usually I would have to deal with some very loose stools but I could deal with that.

Now onto the rough housing. I love when they play so hard they drop and I have found it depends on the dogs themselves how much they want to play. I have a 2 year old that can't stand playing with the other dogs but I have a 5 year old that goes crazy running with the 1 year olds. They can get into some very rough play but I usually let them figure out their own fights unless I think someone can get hurt. They really make a lot of noise and it gets wild but I love it and dogs do need to learn their pecking order. Of course in my house it is Bella who is only 9 months (I think) and only 3#'s. Boy can she tear into the other ones and they let her...

Good Luck and my thoughts are with your family this holiday.
Good Luck

[bchgirl]

I'm sorry to hear about your parents. Puppies are the best therapy and such a delight to watch. I had a particularly rough spring/summer....I'm telling you some days Trace was the only bright spot to bring a smile. Best wishes for you all

[susansmom]

Yes, they are the brightness of the day sometimes. And they always seem to recognize a bad day. We got bad news about my dad on Monday and on Monday evening and all day Tuesday all Susan wanted to do was to sit quietly on my lap -- or better yet on my chest. She seemed to know and wanted to be close. She knew I was sad and her sweet, warm presence comforted me.

[Julz]

I am so sorry to hear about your parents' health also. It really is heartbreaking. I am glad you live close enough to go over and spend time with them...say everything you want them to know. You sound like a wonderful daughter and a caring person. I agree that the dogs should eat the same food. Picky eaters will usually eat Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers Soul. It is also a good quality food. I hope you have a joyous Christmas and will make wonderful memories over the Holiday season.

[LIL MIS' MAGIC]

I have two little girls and they wrestle and play fight all the time...when they were both puppies they tended to do it more but now they have calmed down a little (they are both one now)!! We love watching them play like that, it brings back memories from when we first got them!! Enjoy it....

I am so sorry about your parents...that is great that you are willing to step in and take care of both them and their yorkie when they need it!!