2nd dog

Question
We adopted a mixed breed about seven months ago.  Then about 14 days ago we went and adopted another mix.  The problem is that the newer dog even thought the same age wants to play all the time.  Maxx out first dog likes down time and don't know how to stop Bug from always trying to bite and play.  Bug plays very ruff and he is about 25lb heavier then Maxx.  I have tried all kinds of things.  But if I take bug out and try to wear him out with in ten minutes he runs back in and goes right for Maxx.  What can I do to stop Bug from always being playful with Maxx?

Answer
Max needs to make his own rules; that's the way of it between and among dogs.  If Bug play bows or in any way signals Max that he wants to play, you need to observe Max.  It's possible Max is frightened by this interaction and doesn't know how to respond appropriately.  I can't know this because I can't see the interaction.  If Max sometimes plays with Bug (rather than trying to avoid Bug), then Max is participating appropriately and is capable of avoidance behavior.  If Max never plays with Bug, but is constantly waiting for YOU to interfere, you may very well be creating a problem where none exists.  Again, this is something I can't know because I can't question you.  You need to contribute far more information.

Meanwhile, you obviously have no control over Bug nor do you seem to be attempting to manage this situation (other than taking Bug out in an effort to tire him out.)  When one adopts "throwaway" dogs, one often sees the problem behaviors that caused the dog to be cast aside.  It's possible that Bug has a very high energy level and a strong inability to  self control.  In this case, you need to concentrate on positive reinforcement training with Bug in order to gain psychological dominance , equip him with skills he can perform for reward and improve the overall atmosphere in your home.  Do NOT use aversives or coercers, such as choker collars.  Use ONLY positive reinforcement and teach him one behavior at a time, slowly.  Meanwhile, keep Bug on indoor leash (house tab) so you can remove him from any situation by leading him away without putting your hands on him, speaking to him, making eye contact, or in any other way rewarding his boisterous behavior (which I wager you are doing.)  You also need to reduce protein levels in the food you are giving Bug (and Max also.)  Read labels and feed only high quality dry food.  Some dogs are especially sensitive to additives in lower quality food and demonstrate this reaction with out of control behavior.