How can I tell the diference between whether my dogs are fighting or just playing rough? I have a 9 week old austrailian shephard and a yr and a half yr old boston terrier. They chase each other around and jump on toup of each other and growl and show teeth and bark but ive never seen them really bite each other besides just a nip. Also the puppy constantly keeps coming back at the bostont errier nipping at his face and the terrier growls and barks and nips the puppy but never bites hard. What are some ways to tell the difference?
2007-11-25 08:19:41 · 10 answers · asked by softball_gal8 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Playing dogs have relaxed bodies and faces with relaxed, open mouths and expressions. They often do play bows to get the other to play. They also change positions with one chasing the other and then vice versa.
When one wants to stop, often by just stopping moving or lying down, the other stops as well. There can be lots of showing of teeth and vocalizations of all kinds including barking and play growls.
A puppy that young gets a pass from older dogs but is often corrected with a pretend bite to the neck, a body slam or a growl and snap. The puppy needs to learn good behavior and older dogs will help teach that which is why socialization with safe, friendly adult dogs helps so much.
Some dogs can be bullies without actually hurting the other dog. You want to watch out that one does not harass the other when the other clearly wants to quit. That is just bad behavior even in play.
If you think they are playing too roughly and that play can spill over into a fight, it happens when dogs get really aroused by play, you can distract them with a toy or by just clapping your hands and telling them to calm down.
2007-11-25 08:46:38 · answer #1 · answered by nt_sndr 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Watch their body language when they're doing that. If the tails (or with your Boston Terrier, the whole rear end) are wagging, and if either of the dogs go into a bowing position (with their butt sticking up in the air), they're just playing. Nips and growls and jumping are all natural in dog play.
Trust me, you'll be able to tell when dogs are seriously fighting. It's a lot louder than playing, and much more aggressive.
2007-11-25 10:37:50 · answer #2 · answered by hockey_gal9 *Biggest Stars fan!* 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like play. More often than not, serious attacks begin in silence, and there would be damage done quite quickly. So if there's lots of noise, and no blood, it's play. As your puppy matures, however, be alert for dominance struggles which might become serious, particularly if they're the same sex.
My two Akitas (2 1/2 yr. male, 15 mo. female) have tremendous play fights. From the sound of it, you would think they were ripping each other apart. But there's never a tooth mark left on either one.
It sounds like play. Observe and listen to them carefully, then if something in their body language or vocalization changes, you can be alert to it.
2007-11-25 08:31:10 · answer #3 · answered by drb 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Trust me, you wouldn't be asking this if they were really fighting. In a fight, one dog ALWAYS comes out bloodied and hurt. I think this is more of a case of the older dog trying to prove it's dominance over the puppy. If you become concerned about how the two of them are interacting, then I would consult a trainer.
2007-11-25 08:35:56 · answer #4 · answered by bpbjess 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is play.
When it is a real fight, their tone of voice changes. It sounds vicious and they don't stop. There could be blood involved. Also, if they are backing on and off it is playing. Dogs fighting do not back off.
Believe me, you will know the difference. It really sounds completely different.
2007-11-25 08:32:59 · answer #5 · answered by maxmom 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Playing looks like tumbling and light sparring. A real fight would have both dogs dripping and wounded. If they don't injure each other, they should be fine. If you fear they may break out into a real fight, only let them loose together when you're around to supervise.
2007-11-25 08:28:59 · answer #6 · answered by Poet G 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
check the hair on the back of the neck, if its raised, it might be aggression, but if it short lived its play, plus your older dog is also letting the pup know whos boss.good luck, keep watching them, dont leave them alone yet.
2007-11-25 08:27:07 · answer #7 · answered by lilly 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the difference really is if your dog starts to make a deep growl or yelps like its in pain.
2007-11-25 08:29:35 · answer #8 · answered by gurlzlive909!! 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It really sounds like play.
2007-11-25 08:32:10 · answer #9 · answered by Freckles... 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
u will just know if they fighting u see blood or marks on them rough playing is what u said up there
2007-11-25 08:26:24 · answer #10 · answered by ♥angel_cream22♥ 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋