How to Know When Dogs Are Actually Fighting, Not Just Playing220

Many dog owners find it difficult to watch their beloved pets seeming to attack each other. Being able to distinguish between conflict and play is important for any pet owner. Even two dogs that have a history of playing nicely can have a falling out, and it's crucial to be able to stop them from doing damage to each other if there's even a chance that they are fighting.

Dogs who are roughhousing as part of play will generally assume natural wrestling positions, taking turns as to which dog is on top. If the dogs are actually fighting, however, they often stand upright and square off against each other, with tense, unyielding body language. Sometimes, dogs will also display aggressive body language while running off of adrenaline from play, such as hackles raised and teeth bared, but this behavior should subside quickly once they calm down.

Dogs who are playing will not display aggression toward each other by biting, or at the very least, they will not hold onto each other's bodies with their mouths. Even if they do bite, it will be more of a gentle nip rather than the hard, clamping motion that is characteristic of real aggression. Dogs who are fighting, on the other hand, will try to harm each other with a bite and may clamp onto each other's bodies with their mouths.

While play-fighting, dogs will sometimes make high-pitched noises like squealing or yelping. These sounds are generally meant to communicate excitement or even a little bit of fear, but they are not indications of aggression. If the dogs are actually fighting, however, they may make low growling or snarling noises. If the noises escalate to the point where the dogs are screaming or howling, it is a sure sign that they are trying to inflict harm on each other and should be separated.

Dogs that are playing will usually pause from time to time to shake their bodies, as if shaking off water. This behavior communicates that they are just playing and want to continue having fun. If the dogs are fighting, however, they will not want to disrupt the fight, so they will not stop to shake themselves off and may even growl if they are forced to stop.

It is important to note that not all play-fighting is acceptable, especially if one dog is constantly initiating contact and chasing the other. This could be a sign that only one dog wants to play, while the other is either not interested or is feeling harassed. If this is the case, it is important to step in and put an end to the play-fighting, or to distract the dogs and redirect them to other activities.

If you are ever in doubt as to whether or not your dogs are fighting, it is always best to err on the side of caution and separate them. It is better to interrupt a playful wrestling session than it is to risk having the dogs injure each other. Never attempt to separate fighting dogs with your bare hands, as you could be injured yourself. Instead, use a loud noise, such as a whistle or air horn, to startle the dogs and break up the fight.

2025-02-05

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