changing characteristics as dogs mature

I have been noticing that Nala doesn't play with the other doggies very much at the park anymore. I thought it was just because it is so hot, and she is a cold-weather dog. But even when it has been cooler, she still doesn't play with them! She plays with Bonnie all the time. And sometimes she starts to chase after another dog, but she always peels off and watches them instead.

She has always been a rather submissive dog, but she has also always been VERY pushy - demanding to play all the time! She thought every other dog was put on this earth to play with her.

Now she approaches other people more than other dogs. And she gets scared more when other dogs are pushy towards her. She actually tucked her tail a few times at the park yesterday and then snapped at another dog who was being pushy toward her.

It's not that she is being terribly fearful, nor is she inappropriate. She can meet another dog with her tail up. They say hi and then she is done.

Do you think the changes could just be due to her "growing up"? She turned two years old in May. Is this my more mature dog? I guess there's nothing wrong with it, but I really used to enjoy watching her play with the other doggies. I can't help but wonder if I didn't bring her out enough since we got Bonnie so she has entertainment at home. But we do go to agility every week and the park anywhere from one to three times a week.

Any thoughts?

 

I think it is just a maturing thing. Indy is going through this too. He will be 2 in September. He is sort of the opposite of Nala though. He still loves to play with dogs, but he has gotten more cautious around people. Not mean or aggressive or anything like that, just cautious. He used to run up to everyone and just love over whoever, now he sort of slowly walks up and sniffs them real good first and he always gives people a good look over.

 

I guess I will just make sure she continues to get lots of opportunities to be around other dogs, so she doesn't become un-socialized! Fostering will probably help with this.

 

I think its a maturing thing as well. Natalie lost some interest in playing with other dogs too as she got older.