My! What big teeth you have!

Bite inhibition is one thing we all want our dogs to learn. From the time they are born and become aware of each other they begin learning how to control their bite/teeth. They start as youngsters but the lessons go on for quite some time. That is why it is so important for puppies to play with other puppies and adult dogs. It is inappropriate to take puppies away from their littermates too early (before 7-8 wks old). When this happens, they never get a chance to learn how to control their mouths. This can lead to serious bites with dogs and people in the future.

It is important to make sure that puppies get to play with other puppies and adult dogs on a regular basis. It is also helpful for them to play with other breeds of dogs so they learn to read the body language of dogs that are different sizes, shapes and colors. However, it is also important that there is a person present who can make sure that all individuals are benefiting form the play session. Some dogs/puppies will bully those that are less dominate or have a less active play style. There is nothing wrong with letting puppies bite and play rough as long as both participants are having a good time and multiple dogs aren't ganging up on one. The best way tot tell if both puppies are having a good time is to hold one puppy back and see if the second puppy comes back and tries to initiate play.

It is funny that as the dogs and puppies play with each other you really don’t see the teeth until a picture captures one point in time. In the below pictures all dogs were unscathed and having a grand time.

Echo and Whisper have frequent romps on the lawn. The older dogs in Echo's household are teaching her how to play appropriately.



Becca and Sterling have regular play dates where they practice "brotherly and sisterly love".



Tanner went to puppy play time at Pup-A-Razzi to get experience playing with other puppies. Here he and an Irish Terrier look possessed but in reality, had a perfectly normal play session and nobody got hurt. At home, he has his very own Belgian Malinois, Shine, who has taught him the rules of play.