Why is my dog too rough with others when playing?

Too much is never a good thing, and if your dogs are constantly being too rough when playing with other dogs, they might need help. One of the reasons they are overly aggressive is because of their high prey drive. It can also be a lack of socialization, or they are overstimulated. 

What causes dogs to be too intense when playing?

High Prey Drive

One main reason why your dog can get too intense when playing is because of its high prey drive.

As we humans are prone to mistakes, dogs are, too. 

In this situation, dogs with a high prey drive can mistakenly judge the play activity as probably chasing or hunting. 

With their high prey drive, they will also show some intense play behavior that can affect other dogs in their environment.

Although this may not be true all the time, here are some of the dog breeds that usually have a higher prey drive:

• Herding dogs
• Terriers
• Hounding dogs

Lack of Socialization

Aside from having a high prey drive, a lack of socialization can also lead your dogs to show intense behavior when playing.

If dogs are not adequately taught how to interact with other dogs or humans, this can be a problem in the long run for both the owner and the pet.

Dogs that do not know how to socialize correctly tend to have difficulty understanding other dogs' boundaries, making them aggressive or overly rough when playing with other dogs.

Overstimulated and Too Much Excitement

Dogs are known for being energetic, joyful, and enthusiastic.

However, this can also be why they are too intense when playing with other dogs.

As they get overexcited and overstimulated, dogs can lose control and start showing intense behavior.

Some of the signs of an overstimulated dog are:

• Excessive barking
• Rough mouthing
• Excessive jumping

Although there are many reasons why a dog is overstimulated, there may be some of them due to:

• New environment
• Presence of other dogs
• Excitement of the play session

How can I stop my dog from being too rough when playing?

Proper Training and Positive Reinforcement

Before everything else, having a properly trained dog will give you peace of mind as a dog owner.

So, whether or not your dog starts to show aggressive behavior when playing, training them properly would still be the best way to prevent them from being rough.

As you train and your dogs show gentleness in their play, reward them with treats or praise. 

On the other hand, if they are being too rough, immediately stop them and start to redirect your dog's attention to a much calmer activity.

Remember always to be consistent when you reinforce good behavior with your dogs.

Setting Clear Boundaries

When you start to train your dogs by reinforcing good behavior, you should also be able to set clear boundaries with them.

It is essential to a dog's training as you teach them what is acceptable behavior and what is not.

You can use words like "easy" or "gentle" as commands to your dogs as you encourage them to play more softly.   

When they ignore you and continue to be rough, calmly stop them from playing.

If done consistently, your dog will start to understand when they play rough, the fun also stops. 

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Aside from training, dogs should also be able to exercise. 

When physically fit and mentally stimulated, dogs mostly channel their energy positively.

Physical activities, such as regular walks, can reduce their excess energy and get them out of boredom, which helps them to be more calm and focused when playing with other dogs.

Things like obedience training or puzzle toys can also help stimulate their mind.

All these things are necessary to prevent or stop your dogs from being too rough when playing with others.