Rottweiler groans

How can you tell the difference between a purring type groan or a growl. Can a dog growl (like they are going to bite you) w/out showing teeth? When we rub our rott. she does this growl sound, but when we stop she wants us to keep going. How do I tell the difference?

If you know the signs of distress or dominance in dogs specifically your dog you can tell by body posture if your dog is growling or happily "purring". Rotties are voistrus when they want to be. It sounds like he/she is enjoying the attention and voices it in moans and purrs. I did notice in your picture that your daughter is lying on the dog with her face in his/hers. I would make sure your kids know that this is not the best thing to do with any dog. The dog might put up with it most times but if he/she is feeling sick or hurting in anyway, might snap at them. This size dog it would be disasterous. Some people make the mistake of seeing their dog go stiff and think he/she is being gentle but stiffness in a dog is a sign of stress and they don't like it. Just a little info from a mom. Back to the question,..If you see your dog relaxed with legs loose you can figure that what you are doing is fine with the dog. Remember to always have you and your children act as pack leaders with the dog. Calling him/her to give attention, sitting for everything, leash application, food, treats, attention. This allows them to remember their spot in the family and also gives them high self esteem which makes for a great happy dog. have a good day! steph