Watching dogs play is quite an easy task, but distinguishing
playing from fighting can be a whole different story. Problem is, during
play dogs often use postures and vocalizations that resemble those
taking place during a fight. So how do you know if Good Dog Charles is
suddenly turning into Cujo? For a start, stop reading that book or
newspaper at the doggie park; start reading your dog's body language
instead.Doggie Metasignals
A good way to tell if your dog's has a desire for peaceful
interaction is by looking for specific metasignals. These are signals
dogs send to each other to communicate a desire to play and that
whatever happens next is not to be taken seriously. In the human world,
this is similar to smiling or using a certain tone of voice to tell a
friend you're just kidding. The play bow is an example of a fancy
metasignal denoting that all ensuing growls, snaps and pounces that
follow are not signs of an impending war, explains dog trainer Jolanta
Benal.
Doggie Role Reversals
When dogs play, you will notice how the dogs engage in frequent
role reversal. One moment Rover is chasing and playfully nipping, the
next he is pinned to the ground by the other dog. Being on the top and
then on the bottom, chasing and then being chased, are signs of balanced
play, according to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Play should
also be bouncy, and you should see wiggly bodies, open relaxed mouths
and happy back-and-forth play.
Doggie Self-Handicapping
Just as a dad would wrestle lightly and carefully with a child, a
dog during play will avoid playing as hard as he can. During doggie
play, dogs will inhibit their bite, run slower than usual and make
lighter body slams than they actually can. In healthy play, the
stronger, faster individual will inhibit his speed and strength to match
that of his playmate, explains certified applied animal behaviorist
Patricia McConnell.
Doggie Cut-Off Signals
Not all dogs want to mingle or are in the " just wanna have fun"
state of mind. It's not unusual to see a dog eliciting a dog to play and
the other dog walking away and giving out "cut-off" or "leave me alone"
signals. Sometimes bold dogs with rough-and-tumble play styles may try
to bully more reserved dogs, according to Animal Humane Society. In this
case, the more timid dog may keep his ears flattened and his body low,
and he may engage in frequent lip-licking. Ignoring such cut-off signals
may allow things to escalate into a real fight.
Doggie Trouble Signs
So when is play getting out of hand, and when should you
intervene? Generally, excessive mounting, following a dog incessantly,
non-stop running, staring, showing teeth, pinning a dog to the ground
and standing stiffly over him, full-speed body slams, placing the head
repeatedly on a dog's back or neck and general bullying behaviors should
be red flags that will require your intervention, according to the
Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
Doggie Play Gone Bad
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to
watching your dogs play. Learn how to read doggie body language and
recognize the first signs of stress. If you notice a play session is
going south and needs your intervention, don't panic. Screaming at your
dog will only escalate the tension and make things worse. It's a good
idea to always play it safe and keep some anti-fight supplies always
handy. A blanket to toss over the dogs or a noise-making item to
distract them, such as a metal can filled with pennies or a small air
horn purchased from a marine supply store, may serve the purpose,
according to the Pet Professional Guild.
References
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