How to tell the difference between play fighting and real fighting?
Addie Yost
2025-05-23 03:57:07
Count answers: 2
Intensity – play is loose and bouncy, and less tense than fighting. Claws – these are generally retracted during play and come out during a fight. Turn taking – chasing and pouncing is more equal during play, and more one-sided when fighting. Vocalization – play usually doesn’t involve any aggressive vocalizations often seen before or during a fight, such as hissing, growling or yowling. There are also specific play behaviors that are not usually associated with aggressive or negative interactions. These are often seen with young kittens and include rearing up on hind legs, and side stepping or hopping. A common problem with distinguishing playing from fighting is that it can change from one to the other momentarily. One may begin to hiss, claws may come out and they may consistently run away rather than returning to the game.
Aaron Lowe
2025-05-23 02:28:50
Count answers: 3
The following might be indicators that the fighting is real and not just spirited play: Bared teeth and tense lips
Barking, snarling, deep growls
Repeated nipping and/or biting
Biting/clamping teeth on back of the neck
Standing over or sitting upon the other dog
Slamming into, or hip-checking, each other
Aggressively chasing and tackling one another
Rearing on the hind legs and/or trying to mount
Learn the dog’s body language, especially in relation to dominance/aggression
Recognizing these signs can prevent unwanted situations before they occur
Learn about the breed in general regarding known behavioural traits
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