The first URL from Petful provides detailed information about dog play behavior, signs of fighting, and how to intervene. The second URL from AKC offers complementary information about distinguishing between play and fighting in dogs.
Have you ever watched your dogs wrestling on the floor and thought, “Should I break this up?” I know I have! That growling, body-slamming, and neck-biting can look pretty intense, leaving many pet parents confused and worried. But don’t worry – I’m here to help you figure out if your pups are just having fun or if you need to step in.
As a dog owner myself, I’ve spent countless hours watching dogs interact, wondering if things were getting too rough. Learning to tell the difference between play and fighting is a crucial skill every dog parent needs to master.
Why Dogs Play Rough (And Why It’s Important)
Playtime isn’t just fun for dogs – it’s essential for their development and wellbeing. According to experts play fighting is actually the primary method dogs use to build relationships and develop friendships. It’s basically their way of communicating with each other!
Normal dog play often includes behaviors that might seem alarming
- Barking
- Growling
- Tackling
- Stalking
- Chasing
- Biting
- Whining
- Wrestling
But remember – just because your dogs are doing these things doesn’t automatically mean they’re fighting. The key is looking beyond the noise to understand what’s really happening.
10 Signs Your Dogs Are Just Playing
1. The Play Bow
One of the most reliable signs of play is the “play bow” – when a dog lowers their front end to the ground while keeping their backend up in the air. This is basically your dog’s way of saying, “Everything that happens after this is just for fun!”
2. Relaxed, Open-Mouthed Grins
Playing dogs often have big, silly, open-mouthed grins. Their faces look relaxed, not tense or threatening.
3. Bouncy, Exaggerated Movements
When dogs play, their movements are often bouncy and exaggerated. They might look silly or clumsy – nothing like the efficient movements of a serious fight.
4. Taking Turns
Play partners take turns chasing each other or being on the bottom while wrestling. It’s like they’re following the unspoken rule of “now it’s your turn to be the winner!”
5. Play-Specific Sounds
While play-growling can sound scary to us humans, it’s typically louder and more exaggerated than serious fighting growls. Play barks are usually higher-pitched too.
6. Relaxed Ears and Tails
During play, dogs’ ears are usually relaxed, and their tails are loose and wagging. The overall body language says “I’m having fun!”
7. Self-Handicapping
Bigger or stronger dogs will often “handicap” themselves when playing with smaller or younger dogs by lying down or exposing their bellies.
8. Respecting Breaks
When one dog gets tired, the other allows them to take a break. This respect for boundaries is a clear sign of play.
9. Gentle Biting
Play bites involve very open mouths and minimal pressure. They shouldn’t leave marks or cause yelping.
10. Coming Back for More
After a brief pause, playing dogs will return to each other for more fun. Both dogs appear to be enjoying themselves and voluntarily continuing the interaction.
8 Warning Signs Your Dogs Are Fighting (Or About To)
Sometimes play can escalate into something more serious. Here’s how to tell when things have crossed the line:
1. Stiff, Tense Bodies
Fighting dogs have rigid, tense body postures. There’s nothing loose or bouncy about their movements.
2. Raised Hackles
When the hair along your dog’s back (hackles) stands up, it often indicates fear, aggression, or high arousal.
3. Serious Growling and Snarling
Unlike play growls, fighting growls are low, sustained, and threatening. You’ll often see curled lips and bared teeth.
4. Pinned Ears
Ears that are flattened back against the head (not relaxed) can indicate fear or aggression.
5. No Turn-Taking
One dog consistently dominates or pins the other without letting them up or take a turn.
6. Intense Staring
Direct, fixed staring without breaks is a sign of tension and potential aggression.
7. Attempts to Escape
If one dog is trying to get away and the other won’t stop pursuing, that’s not play – it’s harassment or predation.
8. Tucked Tails
A tail tucked underneath the body shows fear or anxiety, not playful engagement.
When Play Turns into Fighting
Even friendly play can sometimes escalate into conflict. As dog owners, we need to be vigilant about these transitions. Common triggers include:
- High arousal levels: Extended play can lead to over-excitement and loss of impulse control
- Resource guarding: Toys, treats, or food entering the picture
- Fatigue: Tired dogs have less patience
- Pain: A playful bump might hurt a dog with an unknown injury
- Dominance issues: One dog repeatedly trying to assert dominance over another
Years ago, my Border Collie was playing chase at the dog park when another dog suddenly became aggressive after an accidental bump. What started as fun quickly turned dangerous. This experience taught me how quickly play can shift to fighting.
How to Safely Break Up a Dog Fight
If the worst happens and your dogs do start fighting, it’s important to intervene safely:
DO NOT:
- Grab collars (you’ll likely get bitten)
- Put your hands or face between fighting dogs
- Panic or yell (which can increase arousal)
DO:
- Make a loud noise (air horn, whistle, or bang pots together)
- Spray with water if available
- Use a barrier like a piece of plywood, chair, or baby gate
- Try the “wheelbarrow method” – carefully grab the back legs of one dog and pull backward
Remember, your safety comes first! Many bite injuries happen when humans try to separate fighting dogs.
Prevention is Better Than Intervention
The best approach is preventing fights before they start:
- Supervise play sessions – especially with dogs who don’t know each other well
- Learn to recognize warning signs – intervene before things escalate
- Give dogs breaks during play to prevent over-arousal
- Remove resources like toys or treats that might trigger guarding
- Train basic obedience so you can call your dog away from potential conflicts
- Know your dog’s limits – some dogs just aren’t good candidates for rough play
Final Thoughts
Understanding whether your dogs are playing or fighting takes practice and careful observation. Most dog play is perfectly healthy and beneficial, even when it looks a bit rough to human eyes.
By learning your dogs’ specific play styles and communication signals, you’ll become better at distinguishing between normal play and potential problems. This knowledge helps ensure that playtime remains fun and safe for everyone involved.
Remember that every dog is different – some are more vocal during play, while others are more physical. Get to know your own dogs’ play styles, and you’ll feel more confident in knowing when to let them have fun and when to step in.
Have you had experiences telling the difference between dog playing and fighting? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
Note: If you’re still unsure about your dogs’ interactions or are dealing with recurring aggression issues, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Sometimes expert eyes can spot patterns we miss as owners.
Dog Fighting or Playing? How to tell the difference.
FAQ
Is it okay for dogs to bite each other when playing?
Yes, it’s normal and common for dogs to bite each other during play, but the key is to distinguish between playful mouthing and genuine aggression. Playful biting is characterized by relaxed body language, a reciprocal nature where both dogs get to be on top, and the ability to disengage when the other dog signals discomfort. Signs that play is becoming too rough include stiffness, deep growling with exposed teeth, or one dog yelping in pain or trying to escape. If you see signs of escalation, you should interrupt the play and separate the dogs.
Is my dog playing or asserting dominance?
Recognizing Dominant Behaviors
It’s important to understand that dominance doesn’t always equate to aggression. Instead, it may manifest in more subtle ways, such as headstrong, pushy, or stubborn behavior. Some common dominant behaviors in dogs include inappropriate mounting, licking, being demanding, or even begging.
How rough is too rough for dog play?
Dog play is too rough when a dog is defensive, stiff, or tries to escape the interaction, indicated by signs like bare teeth, bared gums, stiff body language, lunging, or continuous harassment. A dog that is having fun will often disengage, show relaxed and wiggly bodies, engage in play bows, and have soft mouths. Owners should intervene and separate dogs if play seems one-sided, or if any dog shows signs of stress, fear, or a desire to end the interaction.
How to tell if dogs are getting along?
Dogs that are getting along will show relaxed, loose body language and engaged, happy interactions, such as play bows, wiggly movements, and snuggling. Conversely, signs of conflict or discomfort include a stiff or tense posture, a tight mouth, an intense stare, a high, twitchy tail, and behaviors like growling or snapping. Observe for brief greetings, alternating roles in play, and sharing of resources, as these also indicate a positive bond.