Is it ok to play with your dog and let him ';pretend'; to bite you?

My dogs 15 and when she was younger I would play fight with her, she would growl then pretend to bite me but she never actually bit me. We have always played like that until now because shes old she likes quiet.





Im thinking of the future and I would like a bigger dog, but how I use to play with her is that ok for big dogs? or will that turn them nasty?Is it ok to play with your dog and let him ';pretend'; to bite you?
I hate it when people answer and they havent got a clue





Yes loads of dogs do that to play, like some have mentioned as long as they dont actually bite its fineIs it ok to play with your dog and let him ';pretend'; to bite you?
It won't make them ';nasty';, but it is encouraging aggression to a certain point, so I wouldn't do it, especially with bigger dogs because the bigger the dog, the stronger the jaw. If they were used to it but played a little too hard and hurt someone accidentally, then they'd be in a lot of trouble (as would you) or put down for something that wasn't meant in the way it was perceived.





What we did with our puppies was to use a toy instead of just a hand- a bone, a rope, a frisbee- anything that was an appropriate toy (thus when Drake decided to use my running shoes as a toy he got a stern ';no';-he's a giant doberman now so very glad we didn't use hands to play) will serve the same purpose but not give the dog a mixed message.
Yes it's fine - as long as your not actually getting bitten it is a sign of affection.





My mum has a labrabor and when you play with her she lightly ';pretend bites';. It is never sore or threatning and she would never actually bite properly. I give her my hand to nibble on lol it's more ticklish than anything else! It's a normal thing for a gundog to do. Traditionally, their nature is to be gentle when they pick up dead animals which have been shot so they don't damage the animal.





i would be careful if there are any kids around or if their are signs the biting is turning nasty as you may then have a problem. Don't let her play with young kids as they are a lot more fragile!
Honestly? No. Because what works with one dog, might not with another - you might have been okay with your current ******, but it might be a totally other matter with a new dog and playing like this could be very dangerous. I don't think this has anything to do with size per se - I've been bitten by a Corgi, and also by a Bloodhound!! End of the day, I think you will have to get your next dog, and see what the temperament is, and treat accordingly!! Just be aware, the bigger the dog, the more damage could be done, if it happens.
Depends on how much the dog respects you and your authority.





I play with some of my dogs like that. Dogs play with each other like that. Both the dog and I understand that it is only play. They know that when I say ';enough';, the game is over. They would never dream of truly biting me or growling at me, they understand that I am ';big momma'; and you don't mess with me.





However, if you have ANY leadership issues or aggression issues AT ALL with your dog, don't even think about it.
It's fine for them to 'pretend' to bite you, just as long as you are prepared for when they 'pretend' to bite you or a child and they draw 'pretend' blood. And when you go to 'pretend' court for failing to control your dog, don't worry - the court Vet will only 'pretend' to destroy it.

















Sheesh.....
It's up to you.





If you don't mind your dog trying to do the same thing with a child then it's fine. If you think that she shouldn't d it to a child then don't let her do it at all.





Basically you create the rules. I rough-house with my 2 dogs and during that time they put my arms in their mouths but don't bite down. If they do it at any other time or to anyone else then all play and attention stops.
Sometimes things can go wrong.


When you get another dog..big or small.. best not to play


pretend bite. Not all dogs have the same temperament.


You have been lucky with this one.It is not worth the risk.


It is even possible that the dog will *pretend bite* but do it


harder and break your skin, or it could be someone else.
Its never ok to encourage play biting ,i am very glad your dog never bit you.What this does is it tells your dog its ok to bite and can cause you a lot of problems breaking that habit in the future.


www.silverbares.com
I think you've answered your own question.... all dogs like to ';pretend'; growl and bite doesn't really matter about size. Treat 'm well with lots of love...no problems
my dog does that, they know when they are ';play fighting';, my dog is huge! just a bit smaller than a great dane, we have some serious fun.
I would never encourage a dog to open his/her mouth. I have a great Dane X Mastiff and she has never ever opened her mouth, even when we play rough :) x
In my opinion ';no teeth on skin'; is a good rule so 'mouthing' is ok provided they keep their teeth off the skin.
If they bite u really hard ignore them but if its just a little knibbling don't mind it
No its not ok at all my x gf was suffering from her dog because she made him used to do this when he was young
yes but don't let him or her get out of hand with it.
no
it will turn nasty ,,, you should be strict with your dog early on , let them n=know what is right and was in not .....
It's really not ok to even have a dog.