What is unacceptable dog play?
Peyton Hackett
2025-05-20 16:20:08
Count answers: 2
Vocalization during play can be normal, but if the vocalizations continuously increase or one dog is giving appeasement signals and trying to get away, it is time to intervene. If one dog targets another dog by chasing, stalking, or always playing roughly in a one-sided manner, this dog should leave the play situation. Dogs that tend to play rudely, body slamming, mouthing too hard, mounting, and generally causing mayhem can provoke negative reactions that lead to fights and injuries. If a dog is repeatedly pushy or plays too rough, even after intervening and giving breaks, the dog should leave the play situation, and possibly not interact with other dogs until he learns to greet and play nicely. The more aroused dogs become, the more likely it is that even appropriate mock battles will turn into something more serious. It’s a nice thought that all dogs can work out conflicts or play issues on their own, but it’s just not true. Dogs have their own limitations and temperaments, based on their genetics and experiences, and they don’t always possess the needed social skills to work issues out safely. Because play relies on the ability to read vocal and body signals, dogs that didn’t have the opportunity to learn to play as puppies aren’t always as skilled at communicating and identifying these signals.
Josiah Bayer
2025-05-20 11:23:17
Count answers: 1
Rude behaviors are: Neck biting and collar grabbing. Excessive barking and harassing another dog. Rude puppies often do this relentlessly at adult dogs that do not want to play. Body slamming. This is only fun for the slammer. Pinning. Bull breeds do this routinely, but others do it, too. Mounting other dogs. Both males and females do this and it is almost guaranteed to start a fight. Snapping. A dog that is scared or aggravated may snap; so may a dog that is guarding a toy or a bone. Standing in a “T” position (head over another dog’s shoulders). This is never play; it is always a challenge. Ganging up. Two or more dogs ganging up on one.
Wrestling can be appropriate but is questionable and should be interrupted if more than two dogs are involved, or if one dog is always on the bottom. Tug-of-war if one or both dogs become possessive. Stalking postures: These postures are not play behavior. A stalking posture is significantly different from play bow and is often the first stage of a body slam.
But, if one dog is being chased into hiding or is becoming defensive, interrupt the play.
Read also
- How to teach appropriate dog play?
- How to teach a dog to greet other dogs politely?
- How to teach dog etiquette?
- What is the hardest command to teach a dog?
- What does inappropriate dog play look like?
- What is a polite dog greeting?
- How do you tell your dog I love you in dog language?
- What is a trick you shouldn't teach your dog?
- How do I train my dog to be respectful?