Mahmoud

I have a 4 year old miniature pinscher (12 lbs.)... and a 4 month old Doberman. Both dogs are constantly playing with each other. My miniature pinscher has always growled when playing... tugging on a rope especially.

And now my doberman is starting to do it whenever he plays with the mini.

My question might sound stupid... but i was wondering if i should discourage this behaviour (if it's agressive)... or ignore it because it's normal.

Thank you :-)

P.s.: In case you're wondering... my miniature pinscher always wins the tug-o-war with my dobe...

Luvbirds59

I think it is completely normal. Dogs growl when they play tug with another dog. There is a big difference between play growling and aggressive growling.

oxc

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Julie W

I agree. It's perfectly normal for dogs to play growl when they are playing. All of my dogs do it. There is a difference between true aggression and play growling.

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Chaz

Mensa doesn't just growl when she is playing with my other dogs, she positively screams!

And Toby, my big Labrador, roars.

Seems normal to me.

K9Jarko

Agreed....normal behavior concerning the growling. Wait a few months to see if the miniature pinscher is still winning - this type of winning is usually more about dominance then it is about size of the victor. My PSD who is a heck of alot stronger, bigger etc then my female mal and could easily physically take the tug away from her will just as soon let go after a short or long bout of tug with her. She is the queen of the house and "wins" against all my other dogs - not because she is physically stronger....just because she is the dominant bitch that she is.

tjmom

I would also agree that growling when playing is just fine. You will be able to tell when the growling is agressive. Also when my girl means business and does her big girl growl her hackels will stand up and that is when I take notice. Please be mindful though that the hackels do not always stand when they mean business but it can be a good indicator. Sounds like your dobie is just playing.

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Mahmoud

Thank you all for your answers

LapDog

duchess starts sounding like chewbacca when she is playing

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tjmom

oh yes and it is so funny when you get two very vocal dobies together to play!

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sebsyd

TJ's mom,
I agree with you and all the others. My two doberman puppies sound like a Halloween Fright Nite tape!! Hey, maybe I could make some money! lol