05/24/2026
We get asked a lot as our two main trainers and owners of Argos have mixed age, and sized packs, about how we allow play between them. This 100% comes down to knowing your dog, their play style, and their tolerances. Mochi, the miniature schnauzer (who will be 5 next month) pictured playing with Castor, the German Shepherd puppy (who will be 6 months soon) can play gently like pictured so or very rough to the point mochi gives heavy corrections. I know mochi very well as I’ve had her since she was a bottle baby. She is well socialized and I tend to use her as my “balanced dog” quite often with young dogs and puppies, or with just plain friendly but rude dogs. All this means is I trust her judgment for correcting dogs of all sizes during play and general activity in most settings. As well as she trusts me to step in. This is not for all dogs and you should never rely on your dog to correct or train other dogs. Mochis entire goal with the dogs she interacts with is to get them to play in her style(which is a cat like player). She does this manipulation tactic as I like to call it. She will correct rude behavior and as soon as they stop the rude behavior she tries to get them to play showing them if you behave we have fun. However she isn’t not a fan of most play styles. So she will play how they want for a bit then try to get them to play how she wants and if she isn’t Happy with that she will disengage and try again later. When we have large size gaps like this it’s super important to monitor play closest even with a dog like mochi who sticks up for herself. We do a lot of mutal work between them. Hanging out together neutrally, walks, very short play session for building proper relationships and confidence.
At the end of the day we read our dogs carefully and step in often to help when we see over stimulation starting so they learn how to regulate themselves and even more so with a young puppy!
If you’re having a ruff time managing your pack, maybe even just wanting to invest in manners for your young or old dog. We are here to help! Reach out today for a consultation and let’s help you achieve your dreams!!