Play Growling

[Bonniesmummy]

Is it really a big deal???

Since Bonnie was a little pup playing with her brother next door she has always growled when playing, it doesnt usually start off straight away, usually after a few mins when she is into the game

She now does this with her buddy Storm, he doesnt seem to care either way as he is so laid back and I think he knows that its play..... they can tell this right????

What Im asking is, is it a problem? should I do something about it ie try and stop it?
I have no issue with as I know its PLAY, if I thought for a minute it was aggression I wouldnt let her near them BUT I can see how it could make other people uncomfortable and think twice about wanting their dogs near mine

Stop it or not to stop it and if so............ HOW ??

[Stuart]

Shepherds are extreamly vocal,... you would swear that at times Kee and Sam are having a go,... but they never are, it is just them playing, usualy over something like a toy or stick...they will [ both in turn ] get an item and tease the other to grab it, then running off, the play growls, always follows

There are times that I do stop it, but usualy only if they are doing it when it hinders me, when I am talking to someone, watching telly,....other wise I enjoy their play as much as they do,...if I do have to stop it,..I just tell them `enough`...or simular...lol

Originally Posted by Bonniesmummy

Is it really a big deal???

Since Bonnie was a little pup playing with her brother next door she has always growled when playing, it doesnt usually start off straight away, usually after a few mins when she is into the game

She now does this with her buddy Storm, he doesnt seem to care either way as he is so laid back and I think he knows that its play..... they can tell this right????

What Im asking is, is it a problem? should I do something about it ie try and stop it?
I have no issue with as I know its PLAY, if I thought for a minute it was aggression I wouldnt let her near them BUT I can see how it could make other people uncomfortable and think twice about wanting their dogs near mine

Stop it or not to stop it and if so............ HOW ??

Its perfectly natural and shepherds are naturally growly during play.
I would stop it at all...Its play x

[Stuart]

I think Linda means.... she wouldnt stop it,..its play

[Bonniesmummy]

Thanks Stuart I thought thats what she meant

Thanks both, I really dont have a problem with it as I know its play.... I just worry about other people though incase they think my wee girly is a big bad bitch pmsl wanting to rip their woofas head off

I also wanted other opinions as some people may say no... stop it! I wonder if any?

Audrey, my 2 play rough and growly. And Zee does this with Ella another shep - they take it in turns to sideswipe / wrestle the other to the ground and make a right noise. You'd think they were killing each other! Often teeth are bared too but its all show. Nowt to worry about as the others say.

[sami]

Audrey I call it playing "arr arr"

Mine do it too, with me as well as each other.

I think you can tell if it play growl, it really is more of an "arr" than a "grr". Leo always keeps his mouth open as far as he possibly can when he does it with me, he is so submissive he wont even play fight he just rolls on his back going "arr arr" like a big stupid teddy bear.

Tracy

Originally Posted by Stuart

I think Linda means.... she wouldnt stop it,..its play

oops Stuart is right x

[zetstaff]

Originally Posted by sami

Audrey I call it playing "arr arr"

Mine do it too, with me as well as each other.

I think you can tell if it play growl, it really is more of an "arr" than a "grr". Leo always keeps his mouth open as far as he possibly can when he does it with me, he is so submissive he wont even play fight he just rolls on his back going "arr arr" like a big stupid teddy bear.

Tracy

That's a really good way of describing it

My 2 probably don't count, but they growl at each other whilst playing, grab each others neck/legs, roll around wrestling/Tilly usually wins

You'll KNOW when it's not ok because as Tracy says the sound is different. Also as Stuart says it's a pleasure to watch.

[Bonniesmummy]

Originally Posted by zetstaff

That's a really good way of describing it

My 2 probably don't count, but they growl at each other whilst playing, grab each others neck/legs, roll around wrestling/Tilly usually wins

You'll KNOW when it's not ok because as Tracy says the sound is different. Also as Stuart says it's a pleasure to watch.

Thanks all I've see her have a fight so I know the difference in sound

Thanks for the reassurance xxx