While playing tug of war, your dog might get excited and begin growling. This is normal, as the game itself is predatory behavior. However, it is important to keep your dog from becoming overly excited or aggressive, and take breaks to keep the game from getting out of control.
Some dogs get so involved in the game by growling and snarling so it naturally seems that playing the game is reinforcing aggressive behaviour. Dogs really love playing tug-of-war, it is a healthy display of their predatory nature and an excellent mental and physical workout.
Resource guarding occurs when dogs exhibit behaviors like growling, lunging, or biting over food or toys. This behavior is also known as “possessive aggression” and may occur in dogs of any breed. Training early and often can help discourage resource guarding before it becomes too problematic.
DO NOT make the mistake of playing tug by moving the toy up and down, as this is not a natural movement for a dog. It can cause a neck injury and add stress to the spine.
When people started the game and set the rules, it helped promote positive behaviors in the dog. This is important: You should NOT play tug of war with a dog that is already aggressive, exhibits resource guarding (aggressively protects their food, toys, etc.), or is showing early signs of either.
Growling during play does not mean your dog is aggressive. It simply means they're having a great time. Your dog might even growl during a particularly pleasing cuddle or patting session. Many dogs growl talk to communicate contentment or as a greeting.
If the dog makes a mistake and bites you, screech “OUCH!” and take the toy away for 3-5 seconds. Act hurt and disgusted. Then re-present the toy and give your Tug cue. Your dog should play with more caution.
Puppy teeth can easily be damaged or even pulled out, so it is important to play at an appropriate level. You should never pull harder than the puppy does and you should never pull the toy away from them.
It can seem strange when dogs do this – why would they suddenly make a sound of aggression when you're having fun together? The simple answer is: they aren't! This type of dog growling indicates that your pet is having fun; your dog might even be trying to tell you that they want to keep on playing!
When done correctly, tug sessions should be “kept relatively short (10-15 seconds), have impulse control built-in (dog should have a trained “OUT” or “DROP” behavior), and be something the dog is invited to do with you,” she says.
The Growl: Dogs do growl while playing, but there are two ways to tell different growls apart. An aggressive growl will be accompanied by snarling and snapping, while a playful growl is just a sound, accompanied by relaxed body movements (no tension).
Bottom Line: When your dog growls at you I recommend that you listen to what your dog is saying. Immediately stop doing whatever it is that you're doing and move away.
When a dog is showing possessive behavior he growls, snaps, whines or attacks another pet or person, he's telling you he feels insecure, confused, and has a lack of confidence. He's always on guard and stressed out.
When played correctly, tug of war is a high-value training method. It improves their impulse control, lets them learn boundaries, is an excellent mental stimulate, and is of course a great way to tire them out. When played responsibly, tug games also help keep your dog's teeth and muscles strong.
Puppy play growling is fun, but it can scare some pet owners. If your puppy growls while playing, just stop the game. Once your puppy stops growling, start the game again.
While it may sound obvious, growling at your dog is not likely to improve its aggressive behavioral problems, a new study suggests. Hitting it is probably worse. Researchers say dog owners who kick, hit or otherwise confront aggressive dogs with punitive training methods are doomed to have, well, aggressive pets.
Don't push your dog over his tolerance threshold. Whatever you're doing, just stop. If your dog's growl threshold is near his bite threshold – that is, if there's not much time between his growl and his bite, get safe. If his growl doesn't mean a bite is imminent, stop what you're doing but stay where you are.
Dogs that lie on their backs while playing are being AGGRESSIVE, not submissive. You may think that a dog looks cute when it rolls onto its back while playing. But instead of being submissive, canines may be exhibiting signs of aggression, experts claim.
Never play tug-of-war or wrestling games with your puppy if you're having a nipping problem. These types of games encourage out-of-control behavior, grabbing, lunging and competition with you. These aren't behaviors you want her to learn.
You should aim to play with your dog twice a day for around fifteen minutes each time. You can also combine playtime with other exercise for your dog, such as walking over to the neighborhood park before playing and walking home.
When you play with your dog, let him mouth on your hands. Continue play until he bites especially hard. When he does, immediately give a high-pitched yelp, as if you're hurt, and let your hand go limp. This should startle your dog and cause him to stop mouthing you, at least momentarily.
Tug of war played correctly will not encourage aggression in your dog or puppy. However, do not play tug of war with dogs that guard objects or display aggression as this may intensify aggressive tendencies the dog already has.
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.
Stop whatever it is you're doing or the person/animal eliciting the growl is doing. If you know that your dog growls right before a bite, then move away and get safe. If you know the growl doesn't mean a bite is imminent, stop what you are doing.