Hey all,have a quick question ondog play,This may seem stupid,but how can you tell when dogs are playing or being aggressive.My two GSD's play together great,but sometimes they get a little loud such as growling and play biting or I should say mouthing each other.This is about when I speak up and put a stop to it.Is this normal for dogs or should I not allow this at all.Sorry to sound stupid but I want to avoidany dominance issues in the future
My dogs do this all the time, and seem to be having fun. My dogs are pets, and I do not try and stop their play, they seem to enjoy it. GSDs tend to grab each other by the neck, and throw the other dog down, dive-bomb, etc. If one dog is running, sometimes the other will run along side then body slam the first, or grab their neck. Their play barks are high pitched, and rather piercing, their serious voices are much lower, and they rase their ruff if they are feeling defensive or aggressive. My female was the dominant one until recently, and would charge the male, and he would flop over on the ground. Now, he tends to charge at her and leaps near her, and tries to engage her.
Mike,
My experiences mirror Polly's almost exactly. I would add that you should watch them for a while and when you think it is going too far step in. Remember that you are the pack leader and you decide how playing works in your pack.
Reg: 04-29-2006
Posts: 138
Loc: Southern California
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Michael,
This is actually a very good question because it can be hard to tell sometimes. Mostly, it's just play and a lot of noise.
However, I did see a situation that was very subtle. Just anectodal...2 dogs living together played together. One dog was always on top and the 'aggressor'. They seemed to be enjoying it but there was very subtle body language that showed competition between the two. Turned out later, they ended up fighting. Hard to explain in an email.
But like others have said, you are the leader, and you can keep it under control.
thanks all for the input.It all seemed like play,but with a 4yr. old and 11mos.old I just didn't want any competition for rank going on.They both seem equally submissive at times.
I have a 3yr old female and a 8mo old male pup. In the yard they romp and play fight, make a lot of noise but its just play. Once the roughousing is over they run hot laps and chase each other until tired. It's great exercise and they are buddies. I am always present and should it get too rough I would stop the games. Occaisionally one will yelp when the other has gotten a little too agressive and it causes the other dog to stop, everytime. I wouldn't be too concerned myself providing they are different sexes. If they are the same sex I would watch a little closer when the pup is mature. Just my oppinion.
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what should "dog play " consist of
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