Mazz Posted September 1, 2011 Report Share Posted September 1, 2011 So, what do you look for to determine if two Huskies are play fighting, or if they are determined to do damage to each other? Sometimes, I have trouble telling. What clues tip you as to what is really happening? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arooroomom Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Usually the growls/grumbles becoming quick and sharp sounding will indicate someone is not having a good time. Also, if it looks as though someone is trying to get away or the wrestling isn't equal... meaning one dog is constantly the one on the floor getting their butt kicked. If I have a hard time telling i'll take the "pushier" one away and if the other comes right after them for more- things are usually OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Removed #1 Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 With our two it's a definite change in pitch and intensity...it goes from Rawr rawr super loud rolling around to demon spawn is errupting through vocal cords and the actions I'm taking match those of said demon spawns desire to consume the soul of my normal playmate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirbysowner Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 same here, the growl is the big give away as well as body language. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sid_Wolf Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 you know a full on fight when you see one, much noiser and the noises are different Grey is very growly in play, and so is Keyu, but when one has had enough the sounds are more snappy and higher pitched, and the one who's had enough tries to move away tbh i just let them get on with it now, unless they are clearly not going to stop without hurting one another. Yesterday the girls were fighting (not play) over a toy (i think) and they sorted it, mostly... they had their little tiff and then stood there with their heads next to each other growling, but not biting, thats then i said 'enough girls' and they walked away from each other. I used to jump in and split them up, but tbh it didnt help and if anything it made them want to fight more, now we very rarely have issues, even around food, they all guard against each other but they respect the warnings and dont try to steal, just wait patiently for them to leave the bowls so they can make sure theres no leftovers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Removed #5 Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 With me it's always been a matter of watching body language. Dogs who are play fighting will take a break now and again, go get a drink of water (together!), in general you'll be able to tell it's not serious. All out fight: ears are down, tail is down (and probably tucked under), hackles are raised, their body is "set" for an attack or to attack, lips are curled back and the growl is a menacing growl. Play fight: ears may be down, tail probably is not, hackles normally aren't raised, they're loose - ready to play or quit, lips are normally relaxed and the growl is probably a bark. I agree with Sid, though, if they're settling a disagreement - unless they draw blood - let them go. Even in dominance issues, they'll probably not draw any serious blood and there are times they just need to work things out themselves. I'd be inclined to say that if it's the dogs in an existing pack (your house), they're not gong to do serious damage to each other - without some reason behind it. They're pack animals and you don't irresponsibly kill or maim a member of your own pack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutsibe Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 I agree, the sounds change in a way you can't mistake when it's something more serious! Also, in that while blood may be drawn, it usually isn't terribly serious when they're pack members. The main time that might well not be the case is when you have two males over a bitch in season, or two bitches in season (or coming in) - then all bets are off! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreyRust Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 In my experience with dogs in general, you just have to get to know the dogs and don't second guess you're gut. They can tell the difference in the subtleties and so can you. You just have to know how to listen to it. If you have trouble then you might just not be able to trust you're own judgement on a somewhat risky matter? Generally there is a same-ness to all dogs playing/fighting, but you really should take the time to get to know each dogs inflection, once you have that down it's all a matter of trusting you're own judgement. That's my 2 cents on the matter... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Oh, Yeah. there is a huge difference in body language and vocalisation in mine when they "get it on" Playfighting is usually on backlegs almost boxing, mouths open, sort of wrestling for best position. and they sound very growly but they are breathing with it, the sound is coming from their chest. Real fighting body language is down low, ears back, squinty eyes, and lips drawn back over almost closed teeth. The sounds are harsh growling from the throat, darting forward snapping at each other. When they engage into the fight it's frantic, very fast movements as they try to get a "grip" on either the back of the neck or throat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosemary Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Andy, could not have said it better if I tried. Micah usually backs down - but not always .... it is usually short lived, but explosive and unexpected. Five minutes later they are best of friends again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Andy, could not have said it better if I tried. Micah usually backs down - but not always .... it is usually short lived, but explosive and unexpected. Five minutes later they are best of friends again Yeah, we leave the room when it happens because it's usually Echo "defending" us from something she suspects Darwin is doing. By leaving we remove the "Reason" for the fight. You listen and 10 seconds later it's all quiet. Come back in and they are both snuggled up together under the computer desk. . . peeking out with a look of "We've been bad haven't we" ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreyRust Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Yeah, we leave the room when it happens because it's usually Echo "defending" us from something she suspects Darwin is doing. By leaving we remove the "Reason" for the fight. You listen and 10 seconds later it's all quiet. Come back in and they are both snuggled up together under the computer desk. . . peeking out with a look of "We've been bad haven't we" ?? Ah, the classic look of shame as a dog knows it's been bad... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valhalla Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Its not to bad for us, if Loki and Odin have a go then Thor will get between them and push one of them away so we do not have a real issue with this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Its not to bad for us, if Loki and Odin have a go then Thor will get between them and push one of them away so we do not have a real issue with this Yeah if Daughtry catches the "warning signs" then she usually flies from wherever she is and body slams the other two apart before it can kick off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TreyRust Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Yeah if Daughtry catches the "warning signs" then she usually flies from wherever she is and body slams the other two apart before it can kick off. Haha, excellent visual... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BingBlaze n Skyla Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 mine got into a scuffle last night over a bone - 1 r the other or they both end up flying at each other n u can tell the difference in the growling aswell its alot harsher then playing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Removed #5 Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Its not to bad for us, if Loki and Odin have a go then Thor will get between them and push one of them away so we do not have a real issue with thisJust one more reason to have three Husky's, eh??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BingBlaze n Skyla Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 Just one more reason to have three Husky's, eh??? indeed - blaze stops skyla from being too mean to bings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franklin Phil Posted September 2, 2011 Report Share Posted September 2, 2011 It gets considerably louder. However even then it's often just a shouting match. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sid&BellaNTX Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 Seeing as how I'm going through this as we speak, I can say it's just one of those things you just know. The growl is a different pitch and body language is different. In Bella's case, I can tell when she's just being a brat to Jake and when, for some reason I can't figure out(in her space? toy?), she has been set off. The teeth come out and the hair between her shoulders stands up. Usually it's Sid and Jake fighting over attention from me, so I have to be careful when I come home after work in the evenings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sutsibe Posted September 4, 2011 Report Share Posted September 4, 2011 Just one more reason to have three Husky's, eh??? Not necessarily - sometimes the third will just come in on one side or the other, and join in the brawl! ("Your NOT supposed to be doing that! YOU'RE going to get in trouble!!!") Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kech Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 The vet finally gave Macy the OK to mingle in the dog park and she loves it. The problem is another female husky age 5 months. Everytime she's there the 5 month old pounces on her constantly and franticly. She always grab Macy by the neck or throat forcing the owner to pull her off. Am I in for a constant war with this husky? Is she going to settle down or does she just plain out dislike Macy. This is the second meeting between the two with the same results. Macy becomes irritated by the behavior and begins to snap back. She gets along with all the other dogs really well. Do I have to move mine out of the park? I don't want to piss off the owner because Macy, somehow, makes her aggressive. Don't know what to do... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosemary Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 The vet finally gave Macy the OK to mingle in the dog park and she loves it. The problem is another female husky age 5 months. Everytime she's there the 5 month old pounces on her constantly and franticly. She always grab Macy by the neck or throat forcing the owner to pull her off. Am I in for a constant war with this husky? Is she going to settle down or does she just plain out dislike Macy. This is the second meeting between the two with the same results. Macy becomes irritated by the behavior and begins to snap back. She gets along with all the other dogs really well. Do I have to move mine out of the park? I don't want to piss off the owner because Macy, somehow, makes her aggressive. Don't know what to do... I am not sure if I have missed a previous post about this, but ......... Does this happen at an off-lead dog park? Is one of them on a lead, and the other loose? Huskies play rough, very rough and Macy may be unsure how to handle this. Is it at all possible to get together with a group of husky owners, maybe that will help her and you to see how they play/wrestle. As a new owner it can be intimidating to watch as you keep wanting to jump in and stop them, when all they are doing is playing. It does not sound as if Macy is making the other dog aggressive, she is minding her own business. I wouldn't stop going to the park - Macy needs to socialise as much as possible, and the park is usually the best place to do that, preferably with other huskies Oh yes, my two always go for each other's throats - it's a 'husky thing'. Maybe one of the HO members has a video of their huskies wrestling for you to see, or there may be something on YouTube ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 The vet finally gave Macy the OK to mingle in the dog park and she loves it. The problem is another female husky age 5 months. Everytime she's there the 5 month old pounces on her constantly and franticly. She always grab Macy by the neck or throat forcing the owner to pull her off. Am I in for a constant war with this husky? Is she going to settle down or does she just plain out dislike Macy. This is the second meeting between the two with the same results. Macy becomes irritated by the behavior and begins to snap back. She gets along with all the other dogs really well. Do I have to move mine out of the park? I don't want to piss off the owner because Macy, somehow, makes her aggressive. Don't know what to do... doesn't sound like either dog is being aggressive, it sounds more like the other dog is trying to dominate macy, Kita does this to Sakari alot (she is roughly the same age as Sakari), but they are the best of friends, we go to the dog park, and those two will happily just play with each other Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kech Posted September 6, 2011 Report Share Posted September 6, 2011 It's an inclosed dog park so all dogs are off lead. You're right though, I get very nervous. It looks like the other husky is about to snap her little neck. Macy only yelped a couple times, but stll. The other owner looked nervous as well as she watched very closely. She did take her to the ground a few times to calm her down. If it's play I'm OK with it. I agree, socializing Macy is very important to me. I couldn't wait until the vet gave me the go ahead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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