Roughhousing is just part of the fun and in most cases, it's completely healthy, safe and harmless. However, sometimes it can become dangerous if a pup takes it too far. 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.
And, here are some signs that the play has become too rough:
Snapping and/or snarling. Showing teeth in a wide “smile” Lunging suddenly at the other dog. Continually attempting to chase a dog that's not engaging in play.
Yes, it is okay for dogs to fight in play as long as certain conditions are met, and the play remains healthy and non-aggressive. Play fighting is a natural and instinctive behaviour for dogs, and it serves several important purposes in their development and well-being.
Stop the game, put a leash on him, ask him to lie down, and give him something to chew on. Or, if he's already too excited, walk him on the leash and ask him to do some obedience exercises until he calms down. Don't yell at him or otherwise punish him; that's counter productive. Instead, help him calm himself.
Dogs can play tug-of-war with each other, and the same rules should apply. If your dogs show any truly aggressive dominant behavior while playing, they shouldn't be allowed to engage in the game together.
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.
Tug of war is a mentally and physically stimulating game for dogs. It's a game that involves a bonding interaction between animal and owner.
Dogs love to play, and it's a great way for them to explore the world and learn how to socialize with other animals and people. Roughhousing is just part of the fun and in most cases, it's completely healthy, safe and harmless. However, sometimes it can become dangerous if a pup takes it too far.
Growling, Barking & Body Language
A growl accompanied by a bow may be a playful challenge. One accompanied by a curled lip, or wrinkled muzzle, especially if they also have a stiff posture, is a red flag for a dog not ready to be sociable.
Rough play often comes from overexcitement, or a dog learning to play rough from other dogs. In some instances, dogs can play rough because their owners have taught them that behavior or it may be a dog exerting dominance over another dog or person.
Playing is a healthy part of socialization for dogs and it is definitely something to be encouraged. On the other hand, rough play can be dangerous for you and your dog because it can lead to bites or other injuries to yourself or another pet.
When a dog bites another dog's neck it's perfectly normal behavior and is usually a part of their play. Our older dog is biting our puppy's neck quite gently during play – it's mouthing, the type a dog might do with your hand. But keep an eye on things because play can quickly turn to aggression.
IN APPROPRIATE DOG PLAY YOU WILL SEE:
loose, relaxed bodies. inhibited biting. racing around and/or wrestling. turn taking (one dog's on top and then the other's on top)
Dogs often resort to playful displays of rough body postures, such as placing a head or paw on the other dog's shoulders or even pinning him down. A good dose of prey drive then may also kick in as the dogs chase each other or bite each other's legs as they move to run.
Taking turns: Dogs playing together will sometimes play a form of tag, where they take turns chasing each other. A smile: You know when your dog is happy. You might actually see him looking as if he's grinning as he races around a dog park with a friend.
Only let him play with another dog for a short amount of time. This will stop him getting over excited. Encourage them to play by throwing balls for them and giving them consistent praise. Also stay close to them, this will make your dog feel safe and protected, putting him more at ease.
The play growl is at a higher pitch and comes in shorter bursts than a longer, aggressive growl. The only concern here may be the potential for escalation if playing gets too rough or the dog gets carried away with high energy.
The Root of the Behavior
Mouthing mimics an actual fight, but without the serious biting. This soft biting allows dogs to practice fighting without causing harm to each other.
YOU are the ultimate leader, not the older dog and you must ensure the puppy does not harass the older dog. Usually a puppy can out play an adult, but this goes both ways. If the puppy walks away because it no longer wants to play the older dog needs to be told GAME OVER.
If the behavior is inappropriate, such as choking or calling a friend insulting names, discourage the behavior by: Stopping the behavior. Issue a consequence for that behavior, such as apologizing. Teach a better way to respond when your son is being called names or when he feels like calling others names.
Teach self-control by taking breaks and working on the “take it” and “drop it” cues. Playing tug brings out your dog's predatory instincts. They may growl, grunt, and shake their head as though they're killing a prey animal.
Others might say that they are just being playful. Growling while playing tug of war is however NORMAL! It is part of the fun. Dogs who growl while playing tug are usually just vocalizing what feels like victory – much like how humans yell “Grrreat!” after winning something!
This calming sensation triggers a specific reaction in their brain that responds to hair follicle stimulation. Dogs, like humans, also release endorphins and oxytocin through methods of touch, so rubbing a dog's belly can help with bonding and affection. Ultimately, dogs like belly rubs because they feel good!
Dogs are good at reading us, and they usually know when we are being affectionate, such as when we kiss them. Because they love affection from us, most dogs do like being kissed. However, they don't like the act of being kissed but rather that we give them attention and show affection.