Why did my growly dog play with a new dog, but my other dog growled?

It can take dogs awhile to get used to each other, and the best thing to do is to make sure hat they each have their own space to retreat to if they don’t feel like interacting. If either one is starting to act aggressive you should separate them. They should have separate water bowls and eat food separately for awhile as well. Even though there haven’t been any injuries yet it would be safest to keep them separate while unsupervised until they are getting along. That being said it can be very normal for dogs to growl during play and sometimes vigorous play can seem similar to fighting. If you’re not sure it might be helpful to talk to a trainer or behaviorist - your vet can make a recommendation.

It's very common for older dogs to not like a new puppy much at first - puppies can be rude, pushy, and overly playful for an adult dog :). You will need to give your older dog plenty of time to adjust to the pup at her own pace. Make sure she has someplace she can go to relax if she doesn't want to be bothered, and supervise them closely to make sure that the puppy isn't allowed to harass her when she doesn't want to play. It's also very normal for adult dogs to growl or snap at puppies who are being pushy and rude - this is how puppies learn manners, and your older dog should not be corrected for this. Things should improve over the next 2-3 weeks as they get used to each other. If there is no improvement in this time, or if you have concerns that your older dog may injure the puppy, then I would recommend making an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist for some hands-on guidance.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! They are probably communicating with each other. This does not mean that they do not like each other necessarily. This is just their interaction which is ok. Not every dog is playful with other dogs. My dogs for example get along fine and play with other dogs but do not play with each other. It is not a concerning thing. It is just their type of interaction and how they interact with each other which I just have to sit back and respect. In summary, I would not be concerned about this. Have a great day!

This behavior is likely to improve with time. Take them on leash walks together frequently (twice a day if at all possible). Feed them in separate rooms, as this is the time he is most likely to actually snap at her. If his behavior is not improving, consider keeping a [basket muzzle](https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/baskerville-ultra-black-muzzle-for-dogs) on him when they are inside so he can't hurt her. Also, if his behavior isn't getting better, ask your vet for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist who can help you. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

It sounds like Buddy is giving the proper signals to the new dog that things are a bit too much for him. If he is showing teeth or growling that means he's had enough and the play session between both dogs should end before one or both dogs escalates the encounter. Short, supervised sessions are best and if either dog shows they've had enough, separate the two into other rooms or crates for a while before trying again. You may also want to pick up any bedding or toys/treats that may be fought over. Since Buddy seems pretty stressed out by the situation, creating a space that is just for him such as a bedroom with his bedding, food, water, etc is best so he has a place where he can get away from the other people and dogs and relax on his own for a while.

If they are just playing (loose, wiggly bodies, high pitched growls and barks, lots of hopping around, etc) it could just be normal play and wrestling behavior together. If Gypsy is low growling, baring teeth, having a stiff, tense body, or is otherwise seeming upset by the puppy, it could be that she is trying to tell the puppy "enough" and get it to back off. If she seems uncomfortable, separating the two for a bit to let both dogs calm down some is best. If they're just playing, then just monitoring their play and making sure to give both dogs breaks to rest and relax in between can help.

This is not unusual behavior as they are trying to work things out. I recommend to always supervise them together until you know there is not chance of a fight. Some dogs are more possessive of toys or food or their person and thats just how they are. Certainly not leaving toys down and only giving them toys when you are home to supervise will help. Do not allow them to steal each other's toys. Also, both dogs will likely think ALL the toys belong to themselves and not the other dog. If you cannot supervise then, you may separate them during chew times with their toys. Heavy daily exercise will help to get some of the energy out and this can help to decrease aggression. I also recommend to pick up some books about dog behavior so that you can recognize what the dogs are saying to each other. Lastly, there are several different training methods out there. You may opt to find a trainer who can come to your house and show you how to modify the dogs' behavior. Find a trainer who's style works with yours. This will take some time to condition the dogs and yourself. I hope this at least points you in the right direction. Please post again with any further questions.