Dog socialisation

How can I tell if my dog is playing or fighting?

By Afonso Brito and Irene
Updated · 3 min read

Quick answer

A dog that's playing moves in an exaggerated, loose way, takes breaks, swaps roles with the other dog (sometimes chasing, sometimes being chased) and goes back to it after each pause. If movements turn stiff, or one dog keeps trying to get away and the other won't let it, it's time to step in.

Key points

  • The "play bow" (front legs down, rear end up) is an invitation to play.
  • Taking turns is the best sign of healthy play.
  • Noise and growling don't mean a fight: a tense body does.
  • Short pauses stop play from getting out of hand.
  • If in doubt, separate them calmly and see whether both want to go back.

What are the signs that my dog is playing?

Exaggerated, bouncy movements, an open and relaxed mouth, a loose tail, jumps and spins. Many dogs flop to the ground on purpose or let the smaller dog “win”. This is called self-handicapping, and it’s a sign that the dog knows how to play. Bauer and Smuts’ 2007 study of play between dogs describes exactly these two tools: self-handicapping and role reversal (now I chase, now you do). Reading play is a key part of our dog socialisation guide.

What is the play bow?

It’s when a dog lowers its chest and front legs and keeps its rear end up. It means “what comes next is play”. Dogs use it to invite play and also to clear things up after a rough move. In 1995, the ethologist Marc Bekoff observed that dogs bow mostly just before or after gestures that could be misread, like a bite with a head shake: it’s their way of saying “this is still play”.

When should I step in?

Step in if you see:

  • A stiff body, a rigid tail or raised hackles that don’t settle
  • One dog trying to escape or hide while the other won’t let it
  • The same dog always on top or always chasing, with no turns
  • Bites that make the other dog yelp, and play that doesn’t stop
  • Excitement that keeps building without any pause

How do I interrupt play without creating tension?

Call your dog in a cheerful voice or walk calmly between the two. Give it a few seconds to settle, then let it go again. If the other dog comes back looking for it, the play was good. If it walks away, end the session there. It’s worth the effort: here’s what your dog gets from playing with other dogs.

Table: healthy play or warning sign

Signal Healthy play Warning
Body Loose, curved, exaggerated Stiff, still, tense
Turns Both chase and both run Always the same dog on top
Pauses Frequent and voluntary No pauses
Sounds Play growls, short barks Repeated yelps of pain
After separating Both look for each other again One walks away or hides

Swipe sideways to see the whole table.

The barquis experience

Italian greyhounds play mostly by running and chasing each other, with very little contact. At first the speed scared us; with help from other owners we learned that, as long as they take turns and stop, it’s their natural way of playing. Every breed has its own style, which is why it helps so much to find friends of the same or similar breeds. You can check whether two breeds match in size with the Buddy Match calculator.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal for my dog to growl when playing?

Yes. Lots of dogs growl when they play. Look at the body: if it's loose and they're taking turns, it's play.

Is it normal for dogs to bite each other's necks when playing?

It's common in wrestling play, as long as the bite is soft and the other dog keeps playing happily.

Why does my dog mount other dogs when playing?

It's usually overexcitement. Interrupt calmly and give it a break: many dogs don't like it and it can end in conflict.

Should I let them "sort it out themselves"?

It's not a good idea. If there's tension, one dog can come away scared or hurt. Stepping in early is better than stepping in late.

How long should a play session last?

Several short sessions with breaks are better than one very long one. Stop when you notice excitement rising out of control.

Talk to owners who understand your dog

In the barquis breed chats you can ask other owners how their dogs play and arrange for them to meet.

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