[undergroundgal]

I have 3 siblings, pit/rot mix, 2 males 1 female. They love to play, but really roughly at times, biting each others ears, legs, tail etc. I think they are all fighting for dominance? They are 8wks, and have been away from their mom and other litter mates for a few weeks now. Is this alright to let happen? Do we need to stop it at anytime?

 

[skelaki]

Puppies and dogs often play rough but yours missed some crucial lessons in things such as bite inhibition by being removed from the litter too young. If you know someone with a dog friendly, patient adult (at least 3 years of age and preferably a bit older) that is current on vaccinations or titers, arrange several play dates with that dog for your puppies. The adult dog will allow them "puppy rights" but will correct the pups if they go beyond a certain point. This will help teach them dog manners and bite inhibition.

As far as when they're playing with each other at home, you have to act as the mama (pack leader). THis means that if you feel things are getting too rough you step in and stop the playing. You make the rules. And while no 8 week old puppy is truly dominant, yes play is how they'll establish their future pack position relative to each other.

 

[cshellenberger]

Yes, puppies play rough, No, it's NOT dominance. Let the plat occur, it teaches them bite inhibition and how to socialize with other dogs.

Also, 8 weeks is old enough to start them on some training. YOu might look a tthe stickies in our training forum especially "Doggy Zen' and Rev-Up/Cool-down so you can start thenm on some human world manners.

 

[Marsh Muppet]

Puppies and dogs often play rough but yours missed some crucial lessons in things such as bite inhibition by being removed from the litter too young.

They are a litter.

 

[cshellenberger]

They are a litter.

Yeah, three pups ARE a litter! LOL, I think the OP is going to have her hands full with three since they were removed from the mom WAY too soon and missed VITAL lessons from her. That's why I suggested the threads and starting their training NOW.

 

[nikelodeon79]

WOW!! 3 puppies? At once? 8 weeks... and been away from the mom for how long?

LOL, I bet it's like a tornado hit your house! Kudos for you for taking on such a responsibility! Do you have someone else to help you handle the pups during puppy classes and obedience classes? That would be my suggestion.