May
15
How can I tell if my dog is being playful or being angry?
ByWe play this game where we both lay down, and I roll him over by pushing him. He growls and bites my arm (never clamping, just putting it in his mouth) and then comes back for more. Today, however, he barked at me and he had never done that before, just growling. Could I just be pissing him off? I am confused, why would he continue to come back and “play” if he was mad? He is a rescue dog, and I got him about 3 weeks ago. We have played like this probably 8-10 times. He is a dalmatian.
7 Comments
May 15th, 2011 at 7:41 am
Id say you probably are
May 15th, 2011 at 7:49 am
It could be ruff play or you may have a dog on your hands that wants to be pack leader “Alpha Male” as it goes in wolf packs. In this case you want to show him who is the boss ASAP. Usually if he is wagging his tail while doing this it is play (rough play). If his tail is not wagging this is a sign of aggression.
May 15th, 2011 at 7:54 am
usually if dogs bark there madd .
be careful
May 15th, 2011 at 8:16 am
he’s just playing rough. he’s not pissed off or anything just playing rough. its just how dogs play with other dogs: bitting pushing rolling etc. its just not too good if a big dog does dog play with humans because humans are so much weaker. lol
May 15th, 2011 at 8:39 am
he sound like he just really getting into playing with you like that. i don’t think he’s being aggressive. mine always barks at me like that when i ignore for a minute, when playing. now if he’s off by his self and you approach him and he does that (barks and growls) at you then i would be concerned about it.
but like i said, its just sound like he really getting into the whole playing thing with you, no worries:)hope this help and have fun w/ your pup:)
May 15th, 2011 at 8:47 am
Some dogs are vocal, as in they growl and whine and make noises during play – but are not aggresive. Was your dog aggresive? Did he snarl/show his teeth? Did you feel threatened or that he might bite you maliciously?
If you suspect that there was aggresion in the dog you are best taking his to a professional trainer. These problems are best sorted out ASAP before they worsen.
And don’t forget that a new pup will always test his limits, he is also testing his position in the “pack”. You really do need to assert yourself as the leader of his “pack”. It’s important to let him know that there is only so much you will let him away with and if he tries to go beyond this he will get put back in his place. After you have shown him his place he will be much happier as he will be sure of himself.
May 15th, 2011 at 9:26 am
Usually rescue dogs have some history of abuse or neglect by their owners. What you did might trigger his memory to maybe his old owner used to do that or beat him like that, so he tries to fight back and growl at you as a natural way of defending himself. Avoid playing with him too roughly because it can make any dog more aggressive or show aggressive behavior. Maybe find other ways to play with him but avoid tug o war or wrestling with him.