Dog Play

When a single dog household adds a new member, whether it be a new puppy or an older dog, owners are sometimes concerned about how rough the dogs play.  They might worry if what they are seeing is really play or actually low-level aggression. Should they stop play when they think it's getting too rough?  How do you know when to stop it?  Or should they just let the dogs play without any interruption and hope for the best?

At Distinctive Dog Training, I'm lucky to be able to offer a Puppy Day Camp and watch dogs play at length. Pip, who is 20 months old now, plays well with all the puppies, adapting her play style as necessary.  She will quickly put an overly rambunctious pup in his place and will invite a shy pup to chase her.

Introductions between dogs who are new to each other, or dogs that haven't seen each other for a while, begin with mutual sniffing.  This sniffing shouldn't last more than 3 seconds in any one place and body postures should be soft and not too stiff or erect.  Interrupt when one dog immediately tries to stand over or put a head or paw on the other dog's shoulder. 

Pip allows Murphy to get his sniffs in

If sniffing goes well, there should be an invitation to play come from one or both of the dogs.  This could be a play bow with some prancing and vocalizing.  Owners will come to recognize the difference between a play growl and a growl with aggressive intent. 

Murphy says "play with me!"

Chasing should go both directions so that one dog is not always being the pursued.  When more than 2 dogs play at one time, often one dog ends up being victimized in this way.  This is time to interrupt and re-evaluate.  Herding breeds will also play using stalking-type behaviors.  This is fine, but again, the other dog shouldn't always end up being "prey".

Who's stalking who?

Once play is ongoing, there will be role reversals so that each dog has a turn playing the "victim" and the "attacker".   Dogs that are comfortable playing with another, willingly offer their bellies during wrestling play.

Help!  There's a labradoodle attacking me!

Play may look ferocious at times with lots of teeth showing and growling.  Mouthing and play biting are all part of the game.  A bite that lands too hard will cause the other dog to stop playing, so they learn quickly to inhibit their bite strength.  

Lots of teeth and whites of eyes, but all part of the game.

Dogs who play well with others will self-interrupt when things get too intense. You'll see dogs shaking off as if they are wet, sneezing, or possibly just disengaging and sitting for a moment. The other dog will read these signals as an indication that it's break time. 

Pip calming Murphy by physical restraint or just cuddling??

So, when should you interrupt play?  Watch for signs that one dog is not happy - closed mouth, ears back, whining.  When a dog comes to you for protection and doesn't return to play quickly, it is time to end the session.  Mounting or humping (which is a normal part of dog play) that lasts a bit too long for the other dog's comfort should be interrupted.  Teach the dog to come when called during play, reward her, then allow her to resume play if she chooses.  Don't allow your dog to bully another dog or get so out of control that she don't respond to her name. 

If all goes well, dogs will end play when they are tired out.  However, watch for signs that when they get to that point that they don't get too cranky while over-aroused (like a toddler needing a nap).  Good dog play is beneficial to teach puppies bite inhibition and to communicate with members of her own species.  It's great entertainment for us, too!!  Who can't smile while watching dogs have fun?!

Two tired pups after a great play session

If you're interested in learning more about the Puppy Day Camp, visit the Puppy Prep Program webpage for details.