How do I tell if my dog is playing or being aggressive?
Felton Labadie
2025-07-04 19:54:35
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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.
Theron Kohler
2025-06-27 02:00:44
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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.
Andrew Boyer
2025-06-27 00:53:06
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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.
Mertie Zboncak
2025-06-27 00:00:37
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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.