How do I tell if my dog is playing or being aggressive?

If two dogs are wrestling and it seems too rough to you, with all that growling and snarling, body-slamming, and biting of each other’s necks, should you intervene? There are different physical cues that signal that dogs are playing. If they have a big, silly, open-mouthed grin, that’s already a good start. Often, their movements will be exaggerated: bouncy movements, and even exaggerated growling. Dogs may do the “play bow” when playing, where their front end is down, and back end is in the air. Sometimes, dogs trying to initiate play will slap their front legs down on the ground repeatedly. Although play-growling is exaggerated and friendly, it can be loud and can sound scary. Dogs who are play-growling are over-exaggerating their snarls, which may make this noise sound scarier than if they were actually fighting. If dogs voluntarily make themselves vulnerable by “falling” down, they’re probably playing. By exposing their bellies to another dog, they are being particularly vulnerable. Playing dogs will allow themselves to be caught while playing chase, and take turns chasing each other. Dogs who are playing will keep circling back from more. Even dogs that end up “losing” the play-fight and end up on their backs probably won’t want to stop playing. Dogs will take turns with most play-fighting behaviors. Dog play and dog fighting can sometimes look similar, but there are tell-tale signs to differentiate between them. Always watch dogs that are playing too, in case their play turns more serious. Dog’s bodies when they’re upset or feel threatened by another dogs will become very stiff. Their hackles, which is the hair on their upper backs, are raised. Their growls will be different too. They will have low warning growls, closed mouths, and curled lips. Their ears will be pinned flat — no big, silly smiles. Dogs are trying to get away from one another, or at least one probably is, and their body language reflects that. They won’t be happy and bouncy. Instead, their tail may also be tucked underneath them. A dog that feels threatened will have quick and efficient movements. They won’t be bouncing around, and definitely won’t be “taking turns” like they did when they were playing.

Dogs playing together from such a young age teaches them communication and self-control. Ready for Fun Here are a few signals dogs use to show other pups they're ready to play: Dropping into a play bow, Taking turns, A smile, Exaggerated growling or barking, Play Biting. Play Biting is typically one of the hardest signs for pet parents to accept because we associate biting as a negative outside of eating, but this is simply what dogs do. Both dogs may bear their teeth, but as long as there isn't aggressive growling, yelps or whimpers your dogs are probably just engaging in playful behaviour. Signs of dog aggression include raised hackles, stiffness, snapping, or lunging. If either dog shows aggression, separate them immediately. If you notice one dog isn't feeling it and looks like they’d rather be left alone, it might be best to separate them for a time.

He suddenly starts running around and snapping and biting hard, and growling/barking. At me or other people in the house. When we try and redirect him with a toy he just drops it and continues to bite me. The only thing that suggests this is play to me is that he goes in a play bow.

Going back for more, this is literally running back to the other dog for more interaction. Bottoms in the air, paws on the floor – it’s a play bow, this movement is a clear sign of play. A big, open-mouthed ‘grin!’ and exaggerated, bouncy movement are also signs of play. Frequent shakes, and sneezes – these break the play and remind the other dog that the interaction is friendly. Play growling – continuous growling and snarling – often quite loud, play growls are usually open-mouthed and much louder than aggressive growling. Reciprocal play – both dogs take turns chasing or mouthing, is another sign that it's play, dogs make themselves vulnerable by laying on their back and exposing their bellies. They allow themselves to be ‘caught!’. On the other hand, if the dog is trying to get away from the other dog, tail is tucked– he is running away or hiding, it's not a game. A game of chase will see both dogs being the ’chased’ and ‘the chaser’ – if it isn’t reciprocal – intervene. Lips are curled- ears pinned flat – no smiles, there will be no bouncing around, movements are quick- not exaggerated, no play bows, the dogs’ bodies will be very stiff, heckles may be raised, a low warning growl – with a closed mouth and a curled lip, you may also see an intense stare from one of the dogs.

It’s totally normal for dogs to play-bite, bark, chase, swipe, and lunge, as long as it’s in a gentle and friendly manner. But sometimes growling, biting, jumping, barking, etc. can shift from playful to aggressive. When dogs play, it often takes the form of play fighting, play biting and wrestling. Although it can be fun and harmless, sometimes this can intensify into unsafe and serious scraps if you do not observe your dog closely. To prevent playing turning into fighting, it’s important to watch carefully for stress signals and warning signals. Some of the most common warning signals are: Stiffness – when a dog becomes tense and stressed, they usually appear rigid and stand in a stiff-legged stance. Direct stare – another indicator of a stressed pup is when they intently focus on another dog without blinking or engage in excessive and aggressive stalking. Growling – Sometimes dogs will growl during play, but these growls are accompanied with loose, relaxed body language. When growling is followed by any of the above behaviors, or is a deep and low, it may be a sign of aggressive behavior that needs to be addressed.