Dogs have had a fall out?

[Slippersmum]

I have two wonderful dogs. They get on great, well they did and I wondered if anyone could de-code their behaviour for me? They play fight all the time and its clear that they are playing and both enjoying it. However, for about 3 weeks now things have changed. The only was I can describe it is they are really irritable with each other and sometimes when they play fight for the first time in their lives it turns nasty. Not into a full blown fight but I usually say something and they stop anyway. Can anyone help me to understand what is going on?

I think I'd get them to the vets and check if either of them is ill or sporting an injury that could be causing them pain.

Other than that - it's possible there was an inadvertant injury during a play-fight which has put a dampner on things. Can you tell which dog is escalating from "play" to "fight"? Might give you an idea.

I'd be keeping a VERY strict eye on them for a bit. And not leaving them alone together.

They both seem fine within themselves. I have checked them over of course I am not a vet. Yes it is clear who it is. One is a lab (very easy going, relaxed prone to over eating). The other a jack russell cross, very feisty little dog but can be anxious. From what I can make out it is the Jack russell who is the one who snaps but interestingly the lab is reacting and becoming annoyed, which is unlike him. Together they are both acting out of character. They never really get left alone but I certainly take your point about that risk. Thanks

I've got this with my lab and my mum's Westie, it's always the Westie that instigates but only lately my dog has been retaliating and baring her teeth and snapping back. Westie has been to the vets a lot and they can't find anything that would cause this.

Maybe it's just a terrier thing and the labs are just pissed off with it I don't know

Its odd isn't it. They have not had a crossed word in 3 years (so to speak). Its times like this I wish I could speak dog.