[Tollerowner]

Chloe is a 3 year old Toller. We have had some serious problems with reactivity to other dogs, but I think we are pretty much over it.
She has been playing nicely with the cavalier mix next door, about 2/3rds her size and much less physical. They chase each other, play bow, and all that good stuff. When I throw a knotted rope, they both chase after it, but Chloe always get to the first. If Dudley tries to take it away, she growls at him. Nothing more than that, but the growling makes me really nervous. She is much stronger and could hurt him without much effort. (at her worst, she never touched another dog, but lunged and growled very badly)

So, is growling in a situation like that normal/acceptable?
We have a fenced yard, they don't, so they play in our yard with our toys. Would it help any if we used one of his toys?

 

[RonE]

Some dogs just play noisy. The first time I heard my Plott hound playing with a boxer, I thought they were killing each other.

You'll need to keep an eye out for body language that might signal a problem. Play can turn ugly in an instant if either dog has any bit of resource guarding - especially if there's a toy involved.

 

[BKaymuttleycrew]

Does she play growl at any other times, such as when you're playing tug with her? As RonE stated, some dogs are just vocal when they play. If not, given her history of not always playing well with others, I'd err on the side of caution & not involve toys in the mix during their play dates.

Otherwise, what I do when two of mine want to both play fetch with the same toy is I have them take turns. One is cued to "wait" and the other is cued to go get the toy with "Beckett's (or Dinah's) turn" as I'm ready to throw it. This keeps the larger dog from running the smaller one over, as well as eliminates any potential squabbles. (one of mine is very, very serious about his toys)

 

[Tollerowner]

Chloe is a 3 year old Toller. We have had some serious problems with reactivity to other dogs, but I think we are pretty much over it.
She has been playing nicely with the cavalier mix next door, about 2/3rds her size and much less physical. They chase each other, play bow, and all that good stuff. When I throw a knotted rope, they both chase after it, but Chloe always get to the first. If Dudley tries to take it away, she growls at him. Nothing more than that, but the growling makes me really nervous. She is much stronger and could hurt him without much effort. (at her worst, she never touched another dog, but lunged and growled very badly)

So, is growling in a situation like that normal/acceptable?
We have a fenced yard, they don't, so they play in our yard with our toys. Would it help any if we used one of his toys?

Okay, thanks. While I am pretty sure it is just playing, it is not worth the risk. No toys.

She was a big time resource guarder, but most of that is over. But perhaps not all.