How do you know when dogs are playing versus when dogs are fighting?

Answer 1

Are they hurting each other? No? Playing Yes? Fighting

Answer 2

You really will be able to tell. There's play fighting, like wrestling around, and then there is a real fight, and you'll know when that happens. They'll most likely be blood and loud yelps and their tail will be straight up. If their tail is wagging they are just having fun.

Answer 3

They don't hurt each other when playing. A real fight is so much different that it is easy to tell.

Now dogs who are friends can get into "scrapes" which are more like wrestling matches; these can escalate into fights.

Answer 4

when the dogs are playing they can make funny sounds like when they fight so u can be easily confused. but u can see if their back hair is up or when the play changes into a fight.
and if u can't tell the difference u will see some blood!

Answer 5

When they start bleeding and crying, its probably more than just playing. I have two dogs, they bark and nip at each other, but their tails are always wagging, they do it for like 10 minutes, then they go lay on the couch.

Answer 6

hair standing up, growling yelping, one dog always on top or dominating= fighting

butts in the air, tail wagging, switching dogs being pinned= playing

Answer 7

If there's a LOT of blood, they're probably fighting. Let them do it. Definitely don't try to break up the fight. Can't be done, get yourself hurt. They'll sort it out, probably.

Answer 8

i don't know about you, but i know each of my dogs personalities. there is a sdisteinct difference in the noises or growls they are making. most people are frightened when they play rough, but i know the difference. i can't describe it. sorry!

Answer 9

Typically, you can tell by body language - when playful, their tails wag, their ears are usually up. When fighting, their tails are usually straight, and the ears are back.

Answer 10

Do remember dogs can play rough.