growling while playing

[Cathy, Josie and Piper]

A week ago we got a 5 month old puppy Piper who likes to play with our 3 yr old doodle Josie. At first I thought Josie didn't like Piper because she would growl and snarl at her. It wasn't until we were outside yesterday when I realized that Josie is actually playing with Piper.  They run around and each are playfully nipping at each other. But Josie is growling, snarling and barking loudly at Piper and then Piper crouches down or falls down. Josie is really loud, it sounds as though she is going to eat Piper, but it seems like it's all in fun and her tail is wagging. Is this normal dog play, or is she being too aggressive? I don't know if I should intervene or just let them play. Piper seems to like it, doesn't run away and  she nips at Josie too. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It's perfectly normal dog play, Josie is not being too aggressive, you should just let them play and not intervene. :)

[Cathy, Josie and Piper]

Thanks, thats what I thought, but she is so loud and looks so aggressive, She sounds like she is going to kill her, but when Piper's foot or head gets in Josie's mouth, she doesn't bite down or hurt her. It's fun to watch though too. One of the reason's I got another puppy was for Josie to have a friend to play with. Mission accomplished, now if I can just get Piper house trained. :)

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

My two play like that and it was the scariest thing when they first started that, it's the first time I've had two of my own dogs so I had no clue what to expect!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

My dogs sometimes sound like they are killing each other. My rule of thumb is if they are both coming back for more, they are fine. Dogs are very good at working it all out. 

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

My girls play just like that, when they get the crazies we just pull our feet out of the way and let them burn energy.  Probably a good thing we don't have neighbors right up against us. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree, they're just having fun...sounds like perfectly normal play.

[Cathy, Josie and Piper]

Thanks everyone, it's good to know that they are getting along together. 

[Eleanor]

It's funny to read this post because I have these same issues with  my 6 month old but it's not when she is playing with other dogs it's when she is playing with my husband and I in the back yard.  She is barking, and snarling but yet running all over the yard like she is having fun.  I actually have a trainer coming over next week to look at this interaction between the dog and I while playing.  Otherwise, she is wonderful.