Playing with your pooch is among the joys of being a pet parent; and while dogs love a bit of roughhousing, it’s important to know the difference between playful and aggressive behaviour, especially when dogs are play fighting with teeth.

We’ve put together a guide to help you better understand these signals, so you can make sure playtime remains safe, and positive. So, if you’ve ever wondered, ‘Is my dog playing or being aggressive with me?’, read on to learn how you can tell if your dog is in the mood for some wrestling, or if you should leave them alone.

Aggression vs Play in Dogs

You could easily assume rough play is, in fact, an actual fight, but it’s a pretty normal part of how dogs show excitement. Some signs of playfulness include:

Tail wagging: a sign of a happy dog, along with a loose body, a wagging tail is a good tip-off that your pooch is playing. Though, do keep an eye on the position and speed; stiffer, higher wags can sometimes mean aggravation.

The play bow: another clear sign that your pup is playing rather than being aggressive is the play bow position – lowered front legs, chest towards the ground, elevated rear. In dog body language, that’s an invitation to play.

Play and pause: when they’re up for a friendly scrap, dogs will nudge their companions with a paw to initiate play; equally, they will take short time-outs to signal they’re still non-aggressive.

Gentle nibbles: dogs play fighting with teeth is not a cause for alarm either. In fact, many canines love softly mouthing each other without any real pressure. It’s all part of the fun, and well-socialised pups will adjust their grip if they accidentally bite too hard.

Bouncy moves: this won’t come as a surprise, but if your dog’s posture is flexible and springy, they’re having a good time. As part of their games, you might also see some pups rolling over to show their opponent has ‘won’ the play fight, before jumping back into action.

Two short-coated dogs – one brown and white, one black and white - playing

Is My Dog Playing or Being Aggressive With Me?

On the flip side of aggression vs play in dogs, genuine hostility usually means more serious, rigid actions, such as:

Growling: the easiest way to tell playful growling from an aggressive growl is the length and tone. If your dog’s growl is long and deep, they’re saying: ‘Back off!’. This is often paired with a fixed, no-blink stare meant to intimidate.

Bared teeth: unlike dogs play fighting with teeth, a wrinkled-muzzle snarl is a red flag that your pooch is uncomfortable, and things might escalate quickly. Your pet might also snap or lunge at their opponent to enforce distance.

Tense body language: rigid muscles, raised hackles (back hair standing up), and ears pinned back or forward are all signs of potential aggression. The position of your dog’s ears can also tell you if they’re feeling defensive (ears back) or offensive (ears forward).

One-sided scrum: while a playful fight involves enthusiasm on all parts, if the roughhousing becomes one-sided and forceful, your dog is getting aggressive – and might even ignore signals to stop.

Why is My Dog Showing Signs of Aggression?

Knowing the difference between aggression and play in dogs means you can get involved early and stop serious fights. It’s also important to understand what can cause aggressive behaviour in dogs.

Protectiveness and fear are among the top triggers of aggression. If your pooch is feeling protective of their territory, they might act out; similarly, they might get aggressive if they feel threatened (especially if they’ve had a rough past).

Social factors can also play a part. Dogs who haven’t been socialised from a young age might be aggressive to unfamiliar animals, humans, or situations. On the flip side, too much excitement or rough play can also turn into aggression.

If your furry friend starts suddenly acting out, it might also be a sign of physical discomfort. In this situation, it’s worth consulting with a vet to rule out illness or injury.

Two dogs, one black and one grey, playing on a beach with brown sands

How to Encourage Healthy Play

Now that you’re armed with ways to tell if your dog is playing or being aggressive with you, we have some advice on ways to nurture positive interactions.

Socialising your pooch from a young age is key to healthy play. Showing your pet new dogs, people, and environments early will make them more confident, and less likely to act out from fear.

On the flip side, it’s also important to respect your furry friend’s space and give them a breather, especially if they are showing signs that they aren’t keen on playing anymore and want some alone time.

Even if you aren’t directly involved in their playtime, we recommend keeping an eye on your dog’s interactions with others, so you can ensure the fun and games remain playful, rather than straying towards aggressive.

Positive Playtime with Delicious Rewards

Positive reinforcement is also a pillar of teaching your dog friendly play. Rewarding good behaviour with training treats is a great way to build trust and strengthen your bond with your pooch. That way, they’re less prone to aggression in the first place, but also more likely to obey your command to stop, if needed.

We hope this guide has helped you better understand how your dog plays. For more dog development insights, check out our blog.