Hi, I am the proud owner of two labrador puppies. One is 13 weeks old and the other is 10 weeks old. They are great company for each other but their playing around somethimes worries me as they get very physical with each other and a lot of teeth baring and growling. They are both males and I worry that one of them will get hurt that they won't know when to stop. Am I being a over concerned or have I reason to be. They snuggle up to each other when sleeping and otherwise have great fun together. I try not to intervene as they are only puppies but somethimes have to as I think one of them will get hurt. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

http://www.photolocker.net/images/Labman/gretchenandellaplaying.jpg

Rough play is the norm. It is hard to judge when you need to step in and give them a time out. If the growls go up in pitch and the biting becomes more rapid, it may be time for a time out. If one tries to escape and not come back, give them a break. I have seen a lot of this including somewhat older puppies mixed with little ones, and never knew any real problem. Usually if you see blood, it means one has lost a puppy tooth.

For more information on other things, check the sticky at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/information-articles-our-dogs-expert-labman-53153.html#post251802

First you should get them fixed, that should help out with the aggression, second if they are still aggressive before you leave put them both in separate rooms so you don't have to worry about them fighting when you're gone, third if they start to fight or get a little too rough throw a bucket of water on them that should shock them enough to stop long enough for you to separate them. Good luck

I agree with labman that puppy play is often pretty rough! What you are seeing might just be play, not aggression at all. Thirteen years ago my mom and my aunt both got golden puppies who were about a month apart. The first time we got them together we were terrified they would never be able to be in the same room together! They bit, they growled, they chased, tugged on ears... you name it, they did it! We soon learned this was "normal" puppy play. They continued to roughhouse as they got older and finally calmed down after a few years. We've never had a dog fight (I'm sure we're lucky!), but sometimes one gets miffed with another and snarls like he means it. You'll pick up on what is play and what is aggression, I'm sure. The dogs will give you a lot of clues.

Good luck and enjoy your pups!

This rough play is really just normal puppy behaviour I wouldn't go throwing water on them that for sure I have two 10 month old mutts they are sisters and are constantly play fighting one even goes everywhere hanging onto the other ones tail. I might suggest that you do try to separate them for short periods so they also get used to being aprt one of my dogs had major separation issues but with a little bit of work she is getting better and will now sleep happily without her sister by her side 24/7 just let them get on with it also my two have been dressed and it didn't stop the rough and tumble so although to prevent unwanted pups and other ailments it good idea it won't always calm them down

Thank you all for your replies. It has helped me relax a bit around the two lads now that I know it is normal behaviour. I would like to ask another question if I may. Both of them now have very soft faeces. They are still eating,playing and drinking normally and both in good form all the time but this is persisting. I haven't changed their food. They only thing I can think of is they chew a lot of the weeds in the garden. The weeds haven't been treated with weedkiller or anything as it has been too wet this summer to spray. Just wondering is there anything I can put in their feed to help harden up the faeces. I feed them a complete puppy feed in pebble form. Thanks so much for all your help

Coccidosis is a common cause of soft stools in little puppies. Next vet visit, likely all too soon, take a stool sample. Whether it is coccidosis or something else, likely the vet can fix it. If it is a problem, and you were just to the vet, you may choose to make one more. There are some things you can do with the diet, but they are a waste of time if it coccidosis. Note, I don't promise that is the correct spelling.