Successful Socialization: The Difference Between Play vs Aggression In

Successful Socialization: The Difference Between Play vs Aggression In Dogs

Whether you are socializing a new puppy, or attempting successful socialization with an older dog, you’ll no doubt understand how important it is to have positive experiences.

These positive experiencescompound over time, building your dog’s confidence and allowing them to be at ease with the world around them... especially around other dogs! As play is a huge part of socialization, it’s common for rough and tumble to ensue. But to ensure the play stays positive, you’ll need to know - is that behaviour dog play, or aggression?

This guide will run you through the common signs of play vs aggression in dogs, so you’ll be ready to hit the dog park with confidence.

What is dog socialization?

Socialization is the process by which puppies, or adult dogs in new environments, learn how to behave appropriately towards others, and the world. Most puppies begin learning manners from their mothers and this continues during their puppy training. Some adult dogs may have missed this early phase and will need to be socialized at an older stage.

Socialization usually involves meeting lots of other dogs, of all shapes and sizes. Which also means lots of playtime!

This guide will run you through the common signs of play vs aggression in dogs, so you’ll be ready to hit the dog park with confidence.

What is dog socialization?

Socialization usually involves meeting lots of other dogs, of all shapes and sizes. Which also means lots of playtime!

Why do dogs play aggressively?

Play is a great way for dogs of all ages to explore the world. It’s a way for them to express their natural prey drives and show their social side with mini-pack dynamics. This can often mean that play involves a fair bit of rough housing - with chasing, jumping, rolling over, barking and biting all part of the fun.

However, as an owner it’s important to keep an eye on your pooch during these situations,even if they are well socialized themselves. No dog is perfect and sometimes disagreements can occur!

To prevent you or your dog from getting injured, it’s wise to be able to identify dog play vs aggression. Whether the line is crossed by your dog or another dog interacting with your own, you’ll be prepared to act quickly.

Why do dogs play aggressively?

Play is a great way for dogs of all ages to explore the world. It’s a way for them to express their natural prey drives and show their social side with mini-pack dynamics. This can often mean that play involves a fair bit of rough housing - with chasing, jumping, rolling over, barking and biting all part of the fun.

However, as an owner it’s important to keep an eye on your pooch during these situations,even if they are well socialized themselves. No dog is perfect and sometimes disagreements can occur!

So what’s the difference between dogs playing and dog aggression?

Common signs of healthy play include:

Play bows - your dog will have their front legs on the ground and their rear end in the air.
Bouncing - exaggerated bouncy movements.
Chasing - this often looks almost like a game of tag, taking turns to chase each other.
Smiles - your dog's face will be bright, alert, and excited, their ears upright.
Growling - accompanied with relaxed body language growling is perfectly normal, especially during a good game of tug of war!
Biting - soft bites and nipping are normal. As there are no yelps or whimpers, this is simply just a game.

So what’s the difference between dogs playing and dog aggression?

Common signs of healthy play include:

Play bows - your dog will have their front legs on the ground and their rear end in the air.
Bouncing - exaggerated bouncy movements.
Chasing - this often looks almost like a game of tag, taking turns to chase each other.
Smiles - your dog's face will be bright, alert, and excited, their ears upright.
Growling - accompanied with relaxed body language growling is perfectly normal, especially during a good game of tug of war!
Biting - soft bites and nipping are normal. As there are no yelps or whimpers, this is simply just a game.

Signs the play may have gone too far:

Avoidance - if one or both dogs try to avoid the other.
Excessive Chasing - if one dog is chasing the other with no let up.
Stiffness – if a dog appears rigid with tense or tight muscles, or looks ‘frozen’.
Snarling – quick muzzle movements, like a lip snarl. This is usually the precursor to a snap!
Raised hackles and a tucked tail on either dog.
Growling – if combined with any of the above behaviors, or is much deeper and lower than usual.
Biting - if accompanied by yelping or whining from the receiver.

When dog play becomes aggression?

It’s best to split them up immediately. A loud noise, such as a clap, can often distract the dogslong enough for you to intervene. If you can, calmly separate the dogsbefore the situation escalates. You could then try to redirect towards a positive behavior such as a sit, to regain a positive feeling to the encounter.

Signs the play may have gone too far:

Avoidance - if one or both dogs try to avoid the other.
Excessive Chasing - if one dog is chasing the other with no let up.
Stiffness – if a dog appears rigid with tense or tight muscles, or looks ‘frozen’.
Snarling – quick muzzle movements, like a lip snarl. This is usually the precursor to a snap!
Raised hackles and a tucked tail on either dog.
Growling – if combined with any of the above behaviors, or is much deeper and lower than usual.
Biting - if accompanied by yelping or whining from the receiver.

When dog play becomes aggression?

Puppy correction:

An important thing to note is that puppy correction is a normal, healthy behaviour.Mothers correct their puppies when they go too far, which helps them to learn what’s acceptable in the dog world and what isn't. So a small growl or snap from an older dog to a younger dog is usually a healthy way for them to learn successful socialization.

However, it’s best that this comes from a mature, easygoing dog you know and trust- to be sure that it isn’t a sign of aggression instead. This is why owners often begin the early socialization of inexperienced dogs with pets of friends that they know to be good-natured.

Puppy correction:

An important thing to note is that puppy correction is a normal, healthy behaviour. Mothers correct their puppies when they go too far, which helps them to learn what’s acceptable in the dog world and what isn't. So a small growl or snap from an older dog to a younger dog is usually a healthy way for them to learn successful socialization.

However, it’s best that this comes from a mature, easygoing dog you know and trust- to be sure that it isn’t a sign of aggression instead. This is why owners often begin the early socialization of inexperienced dogs with pets of friends that they know to be good-natured.

Top Tips For Avoiding Aggression At The Dog Park:

Know your dog - is your older pooch not enthralled by rambunctious pups? Is your rescue on the shy side? Is your boisterous Boxer always pushing others around? Keep an eye on your dog and know when they need to take a break. Whether to allow other dogs a rest from their endless energy, or to allow them to adjust slowly - it’s ok to put a stop to play when you feel it’s needed.
Pile Ups - sometimes, dogs like to pile on each other, or one dog. Keep an eye out to avoid these situations, as it can be overwhelming for some dogs and create a negative experience.
Play Dates - not every pooch has a dog-park personality. Some are much happier playing at home with a few visitors now and again. That’s ok!

Top Tips For Avoiding Aggression At The Dog Park:

Know your dog - is your older pooch not enthralled by rambunctious pups? Is your rescue on the shy side? Is your boisterous Boxer always pushing others around? Keep an eye on your dog and know when they need to take a break. Whether to allow other dogs a rest from their endless energy, or to allow them to adjust slowly - it’s ok to put a stop to play when you feel it’s needed.
Pile Ups - sometimes, dogs like to pile on each other, or one dog. Keep an eye out to avoid these situations, as it can be overwhelming for some dogs and create a negative experience.
Play Dates - not every pooch has a dog-park personality. Some are much happier playing at home with a few visitors now and again. That’s ok!

Diffuse Possession - keep toys and food out of the play arena, as one of the quickest escalators of aggression is possessiveness. If you are heading to the dog park, it might be wise to leave your dog’s favorite toys at home.
Control - having a TrueHarness on your dog allows for control when you need it. The extra handles mean you can quickly ensure your dog is within your grasp if needed. So you can have peace of mind at the play park!