WBA Dog Play Primer

What are those crazy faces?

Is she being bullied? How do I know if it's ok?

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

PAWING

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

PLAY BOW

This behavior is an invitation to play or continue playing.

EXAGGERATED, BOUNCY MOVEMENTS

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

PLAY FACE

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

META SIGNALS

Meta signals are behaviors that one dog gives to signal the other dog that 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"

Wrestle Chase eltserW trilF

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.

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

Identify the dog that you think may be over the top Gently restrain that dog Count to three slowly and watch what the other dog does

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

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!

W h e n t o W o r r y

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.

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.

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 play session. Play should be fun, not scary.

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

As Your Dog Ages

AN AGING DOG'S NEEDS MAY CHANGE

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.

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

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.