{"id":186880,"date":"2022-07-28T11:10:51","date_gmt":"2022-07-28T11:10:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/"},"modified":"2022-07-29T05:53:02","modified_gmt":"2022-07-29T05:53:02","slug":"should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I let my dogs play fight?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Should_I_let_my_dogs_play_fight\" title=\"Should I let my dogs play fight?\">Should I let my dogs play fight?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Why_do_dogs_bite_each_other_when_they_play\" title=\"Why do dogs bite each other when they play?\">Why do dogs bite each other when they play?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Why_do_dogs_fight_when_playing\" title=\"Why do dogs fight when playing?\">Why do dogs fight when playing?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Can_dogs_tell_the_difference_between_playing_and_fighting\" title=\"Can dogs tell the difference between playing and fighting?\">Can dogs tell the difference between playing and fighting?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Should_I_let_my_dogs_play_fight_in_the_house\" title=\"Should I let my dogs play fight in the house?\">Should I let my dogs play fight in the house?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Should_I_break_up_my_dogs_play_fighting\" title=\"Should I break up my dogs play fighting?\">Should I break up my dogs play fighting?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Should_I_let_my_puppy_play_fight_with_my_older_dog\" title=\"Should I let my puppy play fight with my older dog?\">Should I let my puppy play fight with my older dog?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Does_play_fighting_make_dogs_aggressive\" title=\"Does play fighting make dogs aggressive?\">Does play fighting make dogs aggressive?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Do_dogs_bite_each_other_hard_when_playing\" title=\"Do dogs bite each other hard when playing?\">Do dogs bite each other hard when playing?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Why_do_dogs_bite_each_others_necks_when_playing\" title=\"Why do dogs bite each other&#8217;s necks when playing?\">Why do dogs bite each other&#8217;s necks when playing?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Why_do_dogs_bite_each_others_legs_when_playing\" title=\"Why do dogs bite each other&#8217;s legs when playing?\">Why do dogs bite each other&#8217;s legs when playing?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Why_do_my_dogs_play_and_then_fight\" title=\"Why do my dogs play and then fight?\">Why do my dogs play and then fight?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#How_do_I_stop_my_dogs_play_fighting\" title=\"How do I stop my dogs play fighting?\">How do I stop my dogs play fighting?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#How_do_you_tell_if_dogs_are_playing_or_being_aggressive\" title=\"How do you tell if dogs are playing or being aggressive?\">How do you tell if dogs are playing or being aggressive?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/should-i-let-my-dogs-play-fight\/#Is_it_normal_for_dogs_to_play_fight_and_bite\" title=\"Is it normal for dogs to play fight and bite?\">Is it normal for dogs to play fight and bite?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_let_my_dogs_play_fight\"><\/span>Should I let my dogs play fight?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Play fight between dogs is only natural and should be allowed. It is a good exercise for your dog, a rehearsal for adulthood, and a good practice for socialization. However, play fights can sometimes turn into a real and dangerous fight.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Read also: <a href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/question-is-it-ok-to-let-dogs-play-fight\/\">Question: Is it OK to let dogs play fight?<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_dogs_bite_each_other_when_they_play\"><\/span>Why do dogs bite each other when they play?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Root of the Behavior Mouthing mimics an actual fight, but without the serious biting. This soft biting <b>allows dogs to practice fighting without causing harm to each other. They will mouth at each other&#8217;s face and neck when fighting, sometimes while standing or on the ground.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_dogs_fight_when_playing\"><\/span>Why do dogs fight when playing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Dogs may dig for entertainment <b>when they learn that roots and soil play back. Your dog may be digging for entertainment if: They&#8217;re left alone in the yard for long periods of time without the company of their human family. Their environment is relatively barrenwith no playmates or toys.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-191675\" src=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Why-do-dogs-fight-when-playing.jpg\" alt=\"Why do dogs fight when playing?\" width=\"1139\" height=\"854\" srcset=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Why-do-dogs-fight-when-playing.jpg 1139w, https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Why-do-dogs-fight-when-playing-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Why-do-dogs-fight-when-playing-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Why-do-dogs-fight-when-playing-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1139px) 100vw, 1139px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_dogs_tell_the_difference_between_playing_and_fighting\"><\/span>Can dogs tell the difference between playing and fighting?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Pinned ears, an erect tail, growling, and showing teeth are all appropriate signs of communication that dogs can use during playtime. This <b>may make it hard to tell the difference between playing and fighting. The key is to make sure both dogs are engaging at similar levels and do not look stressed.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_let_my_dogs_play_fight_in_the_house\"><\/span>Should I let my dogs play fight in the house?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Is it okay for dogs to play fight? Dog play fighting is a very natural way for canines to communicate, socialize, and get out some pent-up energy. Play fighting may seem intense, especially for new or relatively inexperienced dog owners, but <b>it should be allowed<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_break_up_my_dogs_play_fighting\"><\/span>Should I break up my dogs play fighting?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>First, <b>never put yourself at risk. It&#8217;s instinct to jump into the fray, grabbing the other dog or sticking your hands near their mouth. But even your own dog won&#8217;t recognize friend versus foe in the heat of the moment. You could suffer serious injuries as a result and still not break up the fight.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_let_my_puppy_play_fight_with_my_older_dog\"><\/span>Should I let my puppy play fight with my older dog?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>YOU are the ultimate leader, not the older dog and you must ensure the puppy does not harass the older dog. Usually a puppy can out play an adult, but this goes both ways. <b>If the puppy walks away because it no longer wants to play the older dog needs to be told GAME OVER.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_play_fighting_make_dogs_aggressive\"><\/span>Does play fighting make dogs aggressive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Not too many years ago, many trainers claimed you shouldn&#8217;t play tug of war with your dog since that game was said to be one of the causes of aggression. <b>Tug of war is not the cause of aggression. Tug of war is one of those games that can be used to burn off excess energy and make a dog less aggressive.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/k66PMFeyzmI\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_dogs_bite_each_other_hard_when_playing\"><\/span>Do dogs bite each other hard when playing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Young dogs usually learn bite inhibition during play with other dogs. If you watch a group of dogs playing, you&#8217;ll see plenty of chasing, pouncing and wrestling. <b>Dogs also bite each other all over. Every now and then, a dog will bite his playmate too hard.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_dogs_bite_each_others_necks_when_playing\"><\/span>Why do dogs bite each other&#8217;s necks when playing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Neck Biting as Normal Behavior During Play Playful neck biting is perfectly normal. It serves an important purpose early on and continues to be a common way for dogs to interact. <b>It teaches them boundaries, control, and good manners in a social setting<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_dogs_bite_each_others_legs_when_playing\"><\/span>Why do dogs bite each other&#8217;s legs when playing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Dogs do this <b>when the other dog is not paying attention. &#8216; If the dog she is nipping is not a dog you trust, do not allow the nipping on the leg. &#8216; This could lead to a conflict or fight. Plays the &#8216;bite-each-other&#8217;s mouth&#8217; game.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_my_dogs_play_and_then_fight\"><\/span>Why do my dogs play and then fight?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When some dogs play together, <b>they get highly aroused.<\/b><b>As tension and excitement build, rough play can turn into fighting. Some dogs also use play to establish dominance, which can become a problem when another dog decides it&#8217;s time to take turns being on top during wrestling or chasing during a run.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_stop_my_dogs_play_fighting\"><\/span>How do I stop my dogs play fighting?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If You Feel Uncomfortable, <b>Press Pause. There is nothing wrong with interrupting dog play if you feel it&#8217;s getting too crazy. Follow your gut instinct! If it&#8217;s getting too loud or the wrestling seems too rough, call the dogs away from each other or create a break by taking hold of the dog on top and guiding them away.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-191676\" src=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/How-do-I-stop-my-dogs-play-fighting.jpg\" alt=\"How do I stop my dogs play fighting?\" width=\"760\" height=\"430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/How-do-I-stop-my-dogs-play-fighting.jpg 760w, https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/How-do-I-stop-my-dogs-play-fighting-300x170.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_tell_if_dogs_are_playing_or_being_aggressive\"><\/span>How do you tell if dogs are playing or being aggressive?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Dogs that are playing may roll on their backs or otherwise give their play partner the upper hand for a bit. But if you&#8217;re seeing all pursuit, no give and take <b>if one dog is doing all the chasing and not letting the other get awayor body slammingthat&#8217;s moving into aggressive territory.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_normal_for_dogs_to_play_fight_and_bite\"><\/span>Is it normal for dogs to play fight and bite?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Is It Playful Mouthing or Aggressive Behavior? <b>Most mouthing is normal dog behavior. But some dogs bite out of fear or frustration, and this type of biting can indicate problems with aggression. It&#8217;s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between normal play mouthing and mouthing that precedes aggressive behavior.<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Should I let my dogs play fight?Why do dogs bite each other when they play?Why do dogs fight when playing?Can dogs tell the difference between playing and fighting?Should I let my dogs play fight in the house?Should I break up my dogs play fighting?Should I let my puppy play fight with my&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":191673,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[622],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-186880","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet-care"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Should-I-let-my-dogs-play-fight.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/186880"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=186880"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/186880\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":191677,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/186880\/revisions\/191677"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/191673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=186880"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=186880"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=186880"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}