When to step in when dogs are playing?
When dogs are 'playing' we need to watch their body language in order to truly see how a dog is feel Read More
How to tell if two dogs are playing or fighting?
Beatrice Hauck
2025-06-13 13:17:29
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The puppy definitely exhibits playful body language with the older dog, he's bouncing around and such. But I'm not sure if the older dog understands the puppy's intent, because she starts barking and growling a bit. To give a bit of context on the older dog: she didn't have litter mates, so now I'm wondering if that has resulted in her not learning what dog play is like. Essentially, I'm not sure if my adult dog's barking is due to her being genuinely annoyed at the puppy or if this is her version of "playing".
Trent Moen
2025-06-08 08:20:21
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Dog play mimics fighting and can sometimes look rougher than it really is. Any play session can escalate to a fight, but it is less likely when there are two well-socialized dogs playing. A good understanding of canine body language is essential while supervising dog play. Most dog play begins with the "play bow." During a play bow, a dog "bows" with his front legs and chest close to the ground while the back legs are straight and the rump is in the air. Vocalization can be a normal part of dog play and should not be confused with aggression. Playing dogs are loose and flowing. They switch places as the bottom and top dog. They usually respond to sights and sounds around them. They bite each other around the neck and head but do not break the skin. When dogs begin to fight, they tighten up and become more focused. The posture becomes rigid and one or both dogs will stand as if trying to appear larger. They may freeze and stare directly at one another with low head carriage, ears back, low growls, and/or curled lips to show their canine teeth. As the fight escalates, the dogs may begin to bite hard enough to create bleeding wounds. Injured dogs will whimper or cry.
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Daniela Waters
2025-05-27 23:17:49
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Behaviours which tell you it is play include 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. A big, open-mouthed ‘grin!’ Exaggerated, bouncy movement! 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. Dogs make themselves vulnerable by laying on their back and exposing their bellies.
On the other hand, signs that it is not a game include the dog trying to get away from the other dog. Tail is tucked– he is running away or hiding. 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.
Aidan Ullrich
2025-05-27 22:57:05
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Pinned ears, an erect tail, growling, and showing teeth are all appropriate signs of communication that dogs can use during playtime. The key is to make sure both dogs are engaging at similar levels and do not look stressed. If both dogs are play bowing, bouncy, or seem to exaggerate their movements and vocalizations, it’s likely a play session. Another good indication of play is sneezing. Dogs sneeze as a way to communicate to their play partners that they want to keep things safe and fun.
Fights have their own set of body language that can help you identify when an intervention is needed. Tense body language such as a tucked tail, stiff movements, deep growling, and snarling are cues that the dog is under stress. Most dogs will try to get away from the situation if they are uncomfortable.
When the play is, in general, not mutual, When one dog is having fun at the expense of another, are cues that the dogs are in an uncomfortable situation. If playtime starts to get too rough, separate the dogs for a few minutes until they have calmed down.
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Aaliyah Buckridge
2025-05-27 20:31:44
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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.
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.
Dog play and dog fighting can sometimes look similar, but there are tell-tale signs to differentiate between them. 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.
If dogs do end up fighting, it will hopefully be a short encounter. Unlike playing, the “loser” won’t stick around, and will try to leave the area. Since they’re not playing, they’re also not going back to one another for more play. Neither dog is likely having fun, but the loser certainly isn’t.
Brook Lemke
2025-05-27 18:51:41
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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. Within such exchanges between dogs, there will frequently be some playful behaviour, or perhaps play fighting, which can be manifested in a number of different ways, including: Bowing – chest to the ground, hind end remains upright Face-paw – swiping of a forepaw at the other dog’s face Wrestling or rolling over each other while on the ground Excited and repeated jumping or bouncing up and down High-pitched barking/yipping – in short, repeated bursts. Learn the dog’s body language, especially in relation to dominance/aggression Recognizing these signs can prevent unwanted situations before they occur.
Similarly, learn about the breed in general regarding known behavioural traits.
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