How to Tell the Difference Between Dog Fight and Play

We examine rough play between dogs. We focus primarily on dog play that some might consider “inappropriate” or “not safe.” When dog play fighting is acceptable and what dogs growling while playing means. In the field of animal behavior, researchers often refer to social play as “play fighting” because it includes many of the behaviors seen during real fights.
Tags: behavior

Sometimes dog play can look like dog fighting because many of the behaviors used during play are also used during fighting.
Tags: camille ward, dogs playing or fighting, dog playing, dog communication, puppy play, how do dogs play

When your fluffy little sweetie is interacting with a big, sloppy hound and it appears she's about to be decimated, you may feel the urge to step in and stop the action. To the untrained eye, it's ...

How do I stop my one year old pit bull from being so rough while playing with other dogs? He is a gentle dog but very strong and has drawn blood of another dog from simply playing. He likes to grab the saggy jowls of his boxer friend. He hasn't bitten people so far, however I would like to stop the biting altogether is that possible? Melissa Smith Norristown, PA Cesar Millan's Response