dogs playing

Question
Hiwe have a 6 yr old large collie and have just adopted a 4 yr old lab/german
shepard.. They both love playing tug-of war.. but when Dodger(the collie)
drops it or lets go he just barks instead of trying to get it again.. We now have
many around the house so he can pick up another.. Of course his barking is
always an issue when they play.. We cant have them outside to play as all he
does is bark.. Anyway the question is really of this one issue.. for now!!

Answer
Hi Karen,

When there is more than one dog in a household, they work out a social order independently of how the humans living in the same house perceive things.

Even though you had the Collie in your home first, he is behaving in a submissive manor to the new dog by dropping the toy. "Tug-of-war" is a game if dominance, so for the Collie there's no way he's going to put up a fight, or try to win at the game.
The collie's barking may be out of frustration because he wants to play, but knows he must obey the pack social structure and be submissive.

Trying to change the dog's social order selection is futile, in fact, it can lead to fighting, as the dominate dog continually tries to re-establish his "top dog" position.

Rather than putting the dogs in a situation where dominance is being challenged by playing tug-of-war, try playing games with your dogs that involve them obeying you. This will help reinforce every one's "pack" standing, with you as the pack leader who must be obeyed. Games like "fetch" keep you in control, even though the dogs get to run around as much as they like to. Fetch is a good example of a game where your dog is taught, in play, to work with, and for, rather than against you.
Almost every dog loves chase games. Instead of chasing you, have them chase a toy. Training can be a game to a dog! You can help teach a dog to come when called by making it a game.

Giving your Collie some extra one-on one time is important. Take him on long walks without the new dog, or rides in the car (if he enjoys it). Let him know that he's still special to you, and that you love him. This kind of attention might help reduce his barking. Give it time!

Best of  luck,

Patti