When dogs play do they growl

To people unfamiliar with the notion that some nonhuman animals have this ability, play that includes archetypal aggressive behaviors, like snarling and growling, can be quite confusing. Close attention to the context, however, can help us differentiate between play aggression and real aggression. Even though play fighting is very different from real fighting, people often feel the need to intervene.

Sometimes it is obvious at the beginning of a bout that two dogs are playing, but once the dogs start growling or their arousal intensifies, observers may no longer be sure that the dogs are still playing. After all, humans instinctively avoid a dog who is snarling or baring his teeth, and it is natural to think that our dogs should do the same. But what if this assumption is mistaken? Our research shows that for many dogs, play fighting is the primary method used to negotiate new relationships and develop lasting friendships.

Although play is fun, it also offers serious opportunities to communicate with another dog. In this sense, play is a kind of language. Most importantly, how can we tell the difference? First, we need to determine whether both dogs are enjoying themselves and want to continue playing. Look at their postures and facial expressions. Watch for play signals, which can often be quite subtle — a quick dip or bounce rather than a full-blown play bow.

If she pulls against your grip in an attempt to interact with the other dog, release her. If she runs toward the other dog or directs a play signal in his direction, then she is saying that she wants to keep playing. An interaction like the one just described is straightforward and easy to read. However, what about instances that may not be so clear-cut? We encourage you to discard any preconceived notions about what dog play should and should not look like — at least for the time being.

Appropriate dog play fighting all depends on the individual dogs and the kind of relationship they have with one another. Consider an example of a close canine friendship founded on unorthodox play. He would pin Sam with a neck bite every few seconds. No sooner would Sam stand up than Sage would neckbite him and flip him on his back again. At first, we thought that Sage might be too rough for Sam, so we would intervene by holding one or both of them back.

However, each time, Sam would try his hardest to get to Sage, despite the inevitable pinning. As Sam grew larger, eventually matching Sage in weight, Sage added body slams and mounting to their play. With the exception of frequent rear-ups in which they adopted identical roles, facing one another and boxing with their front paws , Sage usually maintained the more assertive role neck biting, pinning, slamming and so forth.

Many people believe that dogs growl due to aggression, however there's so many different reasons why your dog may be growling. Read our guide to find out the different types and what they mean. Why do dogs growl? Aggressive dog growling Aggressive dog growling is all about an expression of power. Dog growling as a warning This deep, rumbling type of growl usually occurs when a dog feels threatened or possessive.

Frustrated dog growling. Discover our dog brands:. Related articles. Dog Training. Advice and articles tailored to your pet's needs. Some of the ways they play include:. Some dogs even growl and snarl while they play. This is how they communicate and play. However, humans often misinterpret these sounds for aggression. On the contrary, this is simply a common way that dogs express their emotions verbally.

For most dogs, growling is part of play and not a reason to worry. The video below shows two dogs growling while they play. Why do dogs play fight? This is simply the way dogs play. If one of the dogs was suddenly more stiff, baring teeth, or lunging, then it may be time to interfere and let them cool off. Dogs unfamiliar with one another begin playing by testing the waters to see what works with the other. This is similar to how humans act when we meet someone new. We start with safe conversation topics like the weather, work, or a new local restaurant before moving to a more personal topic.

Dogs begin playing with gentle bites and chasing before going into full wrestle mode. It is good exercise and socialization for them and fun for us to watch. But you should learn how to tell the difference between playing and a real fight when adult dogs are involved. If your dog does get into a real fight, do not attempt to separate the dogs by grabbing a collar or using any part of your body.

You will likely get bitten. There are safer ways to break them up. A loud noise might distract the dogs. Keep a small air horn in your car. If a hose is available, spray their heads with water. At home, find something big and flat, like a piece of plywood or a baby gate, which can be put between the dogs. The best way to avoid a fight is to recognize the signs of potential conflict and act quickly and calmly to separate the dogs before the situation escalates and everyone can continue having a good time.

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