I think sometimes growling can be a part of play. I had a little dog that would play tug of war - and would pull and growl -- but if she ever dropped anything - the growling stopped and didn't start until she had it back in her mouth pulling again. She just loved to play tug of war. And, she was 10 years old and was the sweetest dog in the world and never ever came close to biting anyone her entire life.
But - she would pull and growl........it always seemed to be part of the way she was playing to me.
I certainly do think that any attempt to nip or bite when playing should be stopped. And - we shouldn't play any games that cause this to happen.
Carol Jean |