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Dog Play Manners

20 9:47:44

Question
Dear Labman,

I am the owner of an 81/2 month old golden/lab mix.  He is socialized with dogs and behaves appropriately when he is at the dog park.  Recently, my family adopted a year old golden retriever from a neglectful situation.  Whenever I bring my pup over to visit, the golden retriever gets a bit aggressive with my dog.  For the last few weeks, I have allowed their rough wrestling because they don't seem to growl, yelp, or hurt each other.  The only problem is it is non-stop, destructive, and becoming unenjoyable.  They are always at each other, wrestling for a position on the floor or fighting over the water bowl.  Do you have any suggestions for teaching play manners so that my visits home can be less problematic?  

Answer
Most young dogs enjoy that sort of play.  Here is a link to a picture of my dog enjoying a visit from a friend,  http://www.photolocker.net/images/Labman/gretchenandellaplaying.jpg  We are careful to restrict the dogs to one room that is fairly puppy proof or the fenced yard.  I think the best thing would be to clear out a place and let them go.