Is this dominance or just playing?

[Bernice Parrott]

We have two Goldendoodles, Abby was 3 in July and Rufus her half-brother was a year old in June.  They usually get along very well together, but Rufus has a habit of coming by and taking hold of Abby's left front foot by the ankle and lifting it up!  I don't know what this signifies and it happens both in the house and outside.  Any ideas what this is all about?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

My guys when they're playing will sometimes bite each other low on the leg....just above the foot. I've read that this is an okay way for dogs of the same pack to be playing. I've never seen them actually lift the other's foot up though. How does Abby react when Rufus does this.....does she continue playing or does she put a stop to it?

[Bernice Parrott]

When Rufus did this yesterday evening in our living-room I watched to see what would happen. Abby seemed to "smile" and that was it! I guess she doesn't mind after all and I was reading more into it. As you pointed out it's a normal thing for them to do. Thanks for your input.

[ej]

My two do that to each other everyday. They wrestle, they play bite each other's ear, scruff, leg, and even tail! Sometimes Z (she is older) would squeal and bark when K got too carried away. Then followed by our yelling "CUT IT OUT!", then games over. After a few moments, it starts all over again by either one of them picking up a toy and shoving it into the other dog's face. Rather fun to watch!

[Beverley S. LaLonde]

That sounds to me like play time. Usually when one will stand with front feet on back of the other dog is a sign of dominance. Raising himself over the other dog to a higher position.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Peri nibbles on Taquito's legs and lifts them up on a daily basis. No worries :)

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

I think it's play.  Kirby and Dexter are always chewing on each other's ankles :)