Avoiding Conflict During Play

"If only dogs could speak. You might be embarrassed to know what they are really saying."


I was recently approached by a couple and asked why their two miniature Schnauzers, who normally played nicely, had recently started several nasty scraps. Upon questioning it turned out the people held play time most evenings which included throwing the ball for scramble type retrieves and often the neighbor's small dog would join the fun. As long as this group did their thing the dynamics worked great and a good time was enjoyed by all.
The problems started when a new dog was was introduced. The "newbie" was a larger sixty pound fifteen month neutered male and when the ball chase got into high gear one or the other of the Schnauzers would be first to the ball and there would be some tussles for the ball and then this started to turn into snarling and occasionally enough growling and biting that the people were becoming alarmed. Hence their inquiry.
Let's stop here and assess this situation. First off recognize that chasing and retrieving a ball is chasing, catching, and returning, with "prey" from the dog's perspective. That's why many dogs will return with the ball to show off their prey but will not give it up.
Now put this picture on a playground with several twelve to fifteen year boys playing a game of keep away with a soccer ball. It's entirely possible that as the game becomes more competitive a couple of the boys could chase the ball and as one reached toward the ball the other could push or shove the opponent. The next move probably would include a few more shoves and maybe an elbow and as things continued to degenerate we could have a few punches followed by a playground style scuffle. Now, this isn't a fight to the finish or anything any more serious than an on field confrontation that escalated into a bit of a wrestling match with a few punches added. The whole thing wouldn't last more than a few minutes and the most serious injury might include a swollen lip or a black eye.
Back to our dog pack. As long as there was the long familiar threesome of about equal size; the run, catch, retrieve, process was most likely shared somewhat evenly, hence no serious problem.
Ooops, now we throw not only a stranger into the mix, but a larger, stronger, unknown entity that at this stage doesn't know the local rules. Next we have the same as the boys. Pushing, shoving, a little more adrenalin, and here comes the problem. Dogs don't have hands to push or slap with and definitely can't kick or punch so they use their only tool which is their mouth.
As the competitive juices start to flow and the contest for the "prey" begins to escalate often the competitor that finds himself in a secondary status will get a little more physical in an attempt to regain his standing in the competition. If this goes beyond snarling and snapping it's not unlikely that one will bite which naturally will result in a "dog fight" of some varying intensity.
As with the boys, this is not a fight to death, it's just a playground confrontation, but the problem is the results usually include a few bloody ears and sometimes a bite in the side of the neck. From the dog's point of view it's no more serious than a play ground squabble but most people find this whole thing most disconcerting.
Okay how do you avoid this problem. This is so obvious and simple I'm almost embarrassed to blurt out the solution. THROW MORE BALLS.
Throw the first ball and as everyone charges away in hot pursuit, throw a second ball right in the middle of where the first ball is landing and immediately throw another slightly to the side but where they will all see it land.
Now start to enthusiastically encourage the gang to "Get the Balls, Hurry up, Bring them here". Get down on your knees and make a great big target repeating your encouragement to bring the balls to you. When they come scurrying back give everyone a small treat and happy praise.
With this excitement and the multiple "preys", there is much less chance of a jealous encounter and it won't be long before the bigger dog will catch on to the fact that this whole thing is about a chance for everyone to play ball and have fun
Remember to train with your brain. We're supposed to be the smart ones.