WBA Dog Play Primer

DOG PLAY PRIMER

What are those crazy faces?

Is she being bullied?

How do I know if it's ok?

CONTENTS 01 About Play 02 Signs of Good Dog Play 03 Consent Tests 04 When to Worry 05 As Your Dog Ages

Play Includes Practice of Real-Life Behaviors When dogs play, they do things they would do in regular life. Their play is like a rehearsal of behaviors they need: Fighting Fleeing Chasing Courtship/reproduction Think about play fighting. You may see lots of teeth, hear growling or barking, or even some bashing and throw-downs.

How about reproduction? Ever see a dog mounting another during play? Or, do a little bottom sniff then a chin rest on the shoulders with an inviting face? This is a common occurrence in our home of six dogs. Once we recognized this courtship dance between one of our pairs, we laugh when we see it begin.

About Play

Signs of Good Dog Play

HOW DO WE KNOW IF IT'S GOOD PLAY? We know play can look a lot like the behaviors "in real life." So, how can we tell if the behavior is actually play?

Think MARS MARS is an acronym used by fellow Academy for Dog Trainers graduate, Jane Sigsworth, to help us remember the signs of good dog play.

M eta-Signals A ctivity Shifts R ole Reversals S elf-handicapping For videos, visit: www.wigglebuttacademy.com/dogplay

PLAY BOW

This behavior is an invitation to play or continue playing.

PAWING This behavior is another way a dog invites play or its continuation.

EXAGGERATED, BOUNCY MOVEMENTS

Bouncy movements tell a playmate -- "I'm not being too serious"

META SIGNALS Meta signals are behaviors that one dog gives to signal PLAY FACE

the other dog that

Silly grins and goofy smiles help dogs tell each other that this play is fun

play is the intention.

Because dogs don't have words to say, "let's play," they use their body language to ask for play and signal intent.

Meta Signals say,

"Don't take this bite seriously...we are just playing around"

Wr e s tle

Wr es tle Fli rt

Activity shifts are a sign of good dog play. They occur when dogs switch from one activity to another. A playing pair may chase, then wrestle, then play hide-and-seek, then chase again.

Ch as e

ROLE REVERSALS Signs of good dog play include dogs taking turns. You may see one dog being the chaser and then being chased.

One dog could be the wrestler on top then a few minutes later, the one on the ground.

Sometimes it seems obvious that both dogs are having a blast. The play has all the signs: goofy faces, play bows, taking turns, activity shifts, and role reversals.

But, what if something doesn't look right or maybe your intuition tells you to be careful?

How do I know it's ok?

CONSENT TESTS

Because our dogs can't speak human, we must rely on their body language to tell us what's ok. This includes using their feet to move away! So, when in doubt, let's do a consent test to ask how they really feel about what's going on.

Here's what to do 1. Identify the dog that you think may be over the top 2. Gently restrain that dog 3. Count to three slowly and watch what the other dog does 4. If the other dog walks away, he just wasn't into that play right now.

Have some one on one play with the dog you're holding and give the playmate some time to do his own thing and take a break 5. If the other dog tries to play with the dog you're restraining, he wasn't done! Release the restrained pup and keep watching the play!

Here is a video that demonstrates how to do a dog-dog consent test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH2ZFVIeGXY

Consent test liberally if you'd like , do it anytime you're not sure if all is well!

When to Worry

Inappropriate chase Chase games should be punctuated with other types of play (activity shifts) and role reversals. It may be time to have a play break if things are looking too one-sided.

Two dogs playing chase can be fun, but if multiple dogs get in the game and are chasing one dog - it's time to interrupt the chase and break up the play and redirect the dogs.

If chase looks "serious" - think flat back with a locked-on stare, it's time to interrupt. If your dog looks like she's getting ready to chase prey, step in and interrupt and redirect before things actually do get serious.

Please, no chase games between large and small dogs.

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Pinning

Both dogs should be having fun, if you're not sure, consent test. If you see pinning, interrupt the session and try again later.

Size Differences

Play between dogs with significant size differences should always be monitored closely. A grab and shake from the big dog could seriously injure (or worse) the small dog

Bites, Snaps, Snarls, Growls, Stiffness

If it sounds or looks serious and your intuition says something is off, consent test. If you need to consent test a few times in a row and each time the same dog chooses to move away, end the 123 Anywhere St., play session. Play should be fun, Any City, ST 12345 not scary.

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As Your Dog Ages

ENERGY PLAY

Play Mental games Walks Fun experiences Enrichment Snuggles Interactions with other dogs if dog friendly Sniffing And more!

Play sessions may become shorter, and your dog may be a bit more picky about partners. Tolerance for different styles a play may drop. If your dog loves to play with other dogs, reach out if this stops all of a sudden.

SLEEPING

A SENIOR DOG STILL HAS THE SAME NEEDS A YOUNGER DOG

Sometimes energy levels drop as a dog becomes a senior citizen - a small drop is normal, but if your dog doesn't get up to do beloved activities, call us or your veterinarian.

Sleeping and resting a little more is normal, but too much may signal something that needs to be checked by your veterinarian.

PHYSICAL

AN AGING DOG'S NEEDS MAY CHANGE

Watch for signs of pain or changes in your dog's ability to walk, trot, run or jump. If your dog becomes sensitive to the touch or moves differently than before (stiffness, hobbles, etc.), it's time for a check up.

FOUNDER dog nerds found here

We take education seriously - not just for your dog, but for our team. Nicole founded WBA after dedicating years to an education worthy of your pet.

Nicole Kohanski, MBA, CTC, Dip. CBST, CDBC, CBCC-KA, IAABC-ADT, CPDT-KA Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer Licensed Family Paws Educator Certified Family Dog Mediator CAM Advocate Level 1 The Family Dog Program AKC CGC Evaluator Fear Free Elite

WIggle Butt Academy is your place for qualified, professional, trustworthy training and behavior modification services for your furry friends.

Our training is science and kindness based.

We never use fear, force, or pain when working with your dog. Ever.

CONTACT

469-333-1043

2257 Ridgeview Dr. Plano, TX 75025

wiggles@ wigglebuttacademy. com

www.wigglebuttacademy.com