What is ‘bitey-face’ and is it a safe way for dogs to play?

“Bitey-face” is a normal and healthy way for dogs to play that involves wrestling and “play biting” each other. While a vigorous game of bitey-face might look and sound to an observer like the dogs want to kill each other, it is actually just fun and games for them.

This type of play is safe as long as it remains appropriate and both dogs are willing participants. During these play sessions, well-matched dogs will often play with their mouths open and use “inhibited play bites”. Although they look like they are trying to bite each other, these play bites are safe because the dogs reduce the force of their bites and do not keep their mouths clamped on the same spot for more than a few seconds.