Not wanting to play

[doggydramas]

So from a young age I’ve been training my springer that I’m the most exciting thing to play with, not other dogs! Apparently this is what you are meant to do.
She’s 10 months now, and pretty much ignores all dogs. She’s happy just sniffing around or playing ball with me.
So many times this week other owners have let their dogs bound over to her, and pin her down, jump on her, harass her and she just ignores them.
Today 2 dog owners told me that I should be teaching her to play with their dogs.
The dogs today were not engaging in 50/50 play with her, they were just bowling her over and pinning her down.
She goes to dog daycare once a week and socialises beautifully. They tell me she doesn’t pester other dogs and her manners are lovely and she takes cues well from the other dogs when they don’t want her approaching them.
Should I really be encouraging her to rough house with other dogs when she’s not interested?

Duchess I think dog park areas e.g. those designed just for dogs, are a different thing. I wouldn't take my dog there at all because to me they are where you DO take your dog to run about with other unknown dogs. Open areas where you are minding your own business just out walking with your dog are different as you have mentioned.

The problem with the assumption that older dogs will let puppies know when they have over stepped is that a lot of dogs like mine won't do that as he just isn't an assertive dog. For that reason I either avoid or watch out for him not wanting to interact. However, if the other owners are happy and you have asked then that's perfectly fine although I would still be worried about an unknown dog hurting my puppy.

I think this sounds like the ideal way to interact with other dogs in a doggy social area, its similar to what I do. Mine has her doggy friends and they generally all play together, we then get new puppies or additions now and again. But the key thing I think is really important (that you have done) is to always check with owners first before interacting your dogs.

Thanks both.

The two dogs that have let DartyPup know when she has overstepped the mark are both incredibly well trained and gentle dogs, with owners I trust (one has been my neighbour for 10 years) and it was the owners who said their dogs would let her know. The dogs did it by bark and body language rather than hurting her.

She is a social little thing and really enjoys playing with other dogs. She’s learnt quickly that not all dogs want to play, just like she doesn’t want to play with all dogs. She’s got a couple of little friends now and watching them play is a delight.

Aww, that sounds lovely. Mine is incredibly social and gets a lot of enjoyment from playing with her doggy pals. But getting them used to knowing not all dogs want to play is incredibly important (and hard).

Mine is the not very elegant basset! I know she isn't 100% at not understanding other dogs don't want to say hello so I try really hard to always be on the lookout and having her lead ready.

Is that a skate ramp @Walney ?
I really recognise it!

It is, its at a Eaton Park in Norwich. They all had great fun trying to get up it (and failing). Its why I love dogs socialising and playing when they are able to, you can see how much they love it. When we leave my dog whines and gets upset that her friends are going.

But I also appreciate when dogs aren't able to socialise for whatever reason. As the owner of a social dog I can't imagine what its like, but try to recognise it and control my dog from running over to say hello.

Awww she’s gorgeous @Walney!

My dog is getting on a bit and has never been very sociable, I've also never had anyone comment on it either.
I sometimes dog sit a friend's border collie and he is totally disinterested in all and any other dogs, he is a joy to be with and has perfect recall. Totally focused on the person he is with.