What is your Dog’s Style?
There is nothing cuter or more enjoyable than watching puppies or adult dogs play well with each other. Every dog has their own style of engagement.

Play may begin with a dog presenting the play bow which is k9 body language for soliticing play; front end on the ground, bum in the air.

A Triple Play…. Bow

cDiane Rich 2011

Some dogs solicit play by pawing at another dog, nipping at another dog or barking at another dog. If a small dog plays with a larger dog, the smaller dog may rear up to the larger play buddy

Stick em up! (thx, Victoria)
cDiane Rich 2011

Shibas in play, Havanese Soliticing Play wanting to Join in

cDiane Rich 2011

Some dogs instigate play by stealing another dog’s stick or toy or poke a dog with that toy to engage in a chase game. Some dogs love to play tug with a buddy.

Some dogs love to wrestle, engage in mock fighting including biting the neck of their playmate or use various forms of body contact as their play style.

c Diane Rich 2011
Notice the total body language of both dogs. Both are relaxed but are engaged in mouthy display and play. The lips are not pulled up showing the gum area or full canine. Eyes and ears are relaxed.

The self control is presented by both dogs and these dogs were enjoying this type of controlled play.
c Diane Rich 2011

c Diane Rich 2011

Dogs may also model or be influenced by the play style of a buddy. Some dogs enjoy play with other dogs only if there is no body contract and if that playmate does not get too close.

Some breeds are hardwired to play using more body contact. Boxers and Bulldogs, many Labs and some Terriers tend to enjoy more physical play.

Many dog owners do not like to have their dog body slammed or jumped on by another dog. Some dogs are tolerant of this type of physical play and engage wholeheartedly but not all appreciate this type of interaction.

The Portie Tolerates the Mini Doodle cross Jumping on her then Disciplines him
cDiane Rich 2011

If you parent a dog that plays rough and you get complaints from various park users then maybe that is a heads up the dog’s behavior is over the top. It is responsible dog parenting to manage, prevent or redirect this behavior and choose your dog’s playmates that also enjoy physical play.

Some dogs engage in play by rearing up on their hind legs and even include a chest bump. This type of interaction can escalate into a fight if it is the same sex dogs but may be more benign, just depends on the dogs.

Some Dogs Love to Chase and be Chased.

cDiane Rich 2011

Dogs that enjoy wrestling tend to exchange top positions and take turns with mock fighting. If both dogs appear to be enjoying this type of play, your dog may have found a suitable play buddy.

The Tackle

c Diane Rich 2011

Some dog play may be vocal in nature. The vocalizations could include barking and growling. In some circumstances nothing to worry about based on how the specific dogs are engaging and body language presented.

Some Dogs love to Belly up to other Dogs

cDiane Rich 2011

When dogs do not learn to present or read proper canine communication with other dogs, play can spiral out of control. This can be observed on any given day at dog parks or day care. Dogs need an opportunity to learn but not at the expense of someone else’s dog.

Keep in mind, that everyone taking their dog to a dog park has their own idea of what is appropriate dog play. You can only manage your own dog and are your dog’s advocate at a park. If you take your dog to day care it is prudent to observe how the employees manage a pack of dogs. Day care owners and employees must have an understanding of appropriate play so they can match your dog up with suitable play groups.

Be observant when watching dog play. It is a wonderful education.

Playful Woofs,
Diane
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com
askdiane@spokesdog.com
www.twitter.com/spokesdog