Playing is a healthy part of socialization for dogs and it is definitely something to be encouraged. On the other hand, rough play can be dangerous for you and your dog because it can lead to bites or other injuries to yourself or another pet.
Puppies can play rough. Puppy play consists of chasing, pouncing, barking, growling and biting. Many pet owners mistake normal play behavior as aggression or laugh off behavior that is a warning sign for truly aggressive behavior.
They may be better off playing at home with you or with a dog buddy they know well. Don't allow a puppy or dog to be ganged up on by other dogs. Even if she doesn't get hurt, a bad experience with other dogs can traumatize her and cause fearfulness that will be hard to overcome.
BODY LANGUAGE THAT CAN BE SIGNS OF AGGRESSION
Here are some signs of aggressive behavior during play to look out for: Raised hackles (the hair on the back of their necks and along the spine) Stiffness in their torso and legs. Stiff tail in a high position.
Stop the game, put a leash on him, ask him to lie down, and give him something to chew on. Or, if he's already too excited, walk him on the leash and ask him to do some obedience exercises until he calms down. Don't yell at him or otherwise punish him; that's counter productive. Instead, help him calm himself.
Teach “Gentle” to a Dog
To teach your dog what “Gentle” means, hold a treat in your hand, close your fist around it and offer it to your dog. If your dog bites at your hand, keep it closed; this means either toughing it out or wearing gloves, depending on your dog's behavior and your tolerance.
Teach your puppy his limits.
End the play session by turning your back to him or walking away. Eventually, he will learn that mouthing and biting too hard means the end of playtime. Another option is replacement training. When he attempts to bite at your hand or clothes, give him a chew toy.
The key is to make sure both dogs are engaging at similar levels and do not look stressed. If both dogs are play bowing, bouncy, or seem to exaggerate their movements and vocalizations, it's likely a play session. Another good indication of play is sneezing.
A young puppy baring its teeth, snarling, lunging with intent to hurt another dog or person, or bite and hold another puppy while that other puppy is crying is nearly always abnormal. If you see that, you should see a professional right away.
Rough dog play isn't necessarily a bad thing; healthy dog play can sometimes look rough and tumble and fierce. But when someone is asking this question we tell them to trust what they are seeing and feeling, that their dog is indeed probably playing too rough. Managing playtime with other dogs can be a real issue.
When does a line get crossed between play fighting and a dog actually exhibiting aggressive behavior? Signs of dog aggression include raised hackles, stiffness, snapping, or lunging. If either dog shows aggression, separate them immediately. But be careful: Never get between two fighting dogs.
If you've ever seen sibling puppies interact with each other you may be surprised to find they can be highly competitive, even brutal by fighting over food or toys. You'll see them pin each other like wrestlers, bite the other's ears and neck, then twist their bodies vigorously as if to dismember each other.
The most important thing to remember is that for the vast majority of puppies, mouthing or play biting is a phase that they will typically grow out of once they reach between three and five months of age.
It might make more sense to limit your puppy to five minutes of playtime per month per play session. You might play for five minutes in the morning, a few times during the day, and once before bedtime.
This is often described as “flipping a switch”. The pup will explode in a sudden display that often consists of a snarl, a bite, and snarling with lip curling and a deep growl. This is clearly a red flag and needs to be considered seriously as a disqualifying characteristic for taking a puppy home.
It is normal for puppies to behave this way; your very young girl is just trying to get you to play. She's obnoxious at the moment, but she will grow up. For now, make sure that you initiate play with her several times a day. Don't always wait for her to start things.
Training Technique:
' When she is lying down on her side, gently say the cue relax as you stroke her with a long stroking motion. Keep the tone of your voice low and calm. Repeat this at various times of the day when you see her in that position and in a calm state.
Puppies spend a great deal of time playing, chewing and investigating objects. All of these normal activities involve puppies using their mouths and their needle-sharp teeth. When puppies play with people, they often bite, chew and mouth on people's hands, limbs and clothing.
This is a healthy way for a dog to play with other dogs. Mouthing mimics an actual fight, but without the serious biting. This soft biting allows dogs to practice fighting without causing harm to each other. They will mouth at each other's face and neck when fighting, sometimes while standing or on the ground.
When puppies play with each other, they use their mouths. Therefore, puppies usually want to bite or “mouth” hands during play or when being petted. With puppies, this is rarely aggressive behavior in which the intent is to do harm.
Avoid physical contact with your dog or cat during playtime to discourage dominant behavior. Treats can be a great motivator to stop playful aggression, much like with any other form of training. If your dog starts getting rough, practice a command to get her to calm down. If she obeys, give her a treat.
You need to slowly approach and consistently praise him and be there every time he meets a new dog. Then throw in a neutral toy and encourage them to play. If either dog shows any signs of aggression, pull your dog away and wait until next time. You need to ensure positive, friendly play at all times.
Puppies that run around and play too much can place a lot of stress on their growth plates. This stress could lead to bone deformations, which will cause long term issues. That's why it's important to split up exercise sessions, so your pup can have some time to recover.