My Cavapoo does a growl just like that when I try to pick him up from a space he’s comfy in that I don’t want him to be, usually from sitting at the top of the stairs or the bed. Never had it with toys though, he loves tug of war and play too much to growl then.
Thank goodness my dog doesn't growl when that happens. I usually just pet him cuz he's too cute. By the way, his name is Toby. He's a boxer mix and is very sweet!
My Pom is 14 and still play grows like that! It is the cutest thing ever. Nope they won't bite. If you see teeth and snarling watch out. If not they are just playing.
I know this video is old but her behavior looks kind of unhealthy, she's showing her tongue and the whites of her eyes which means shes uncomfortable/anxious and she's guarding objects which can lead to aggression later in life