How do I tell my dog it's time to stop playing?
Andreanne Green
2025-07-15 08:52:08
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When dogs are 'playing' we need to watch their body language in order to truly see how a dog is feeling about that 'play' and to ensure that both dogs are enjoying the interaction.
In appropriate dog play, you will see the following signs and signals:
✓ Mutual pausing in play
✓ Shake-off's (this usually happens when arousal levels have got too high and is a signal to the other dog that play needs to calm down or that they'd rather it stop)
Remember dogs should not be allowed to just 'work it out between themselves'.
As dog guardians, we must monitor their interactions and intervene if we feel it is necessary so that your dog and the those they are playing with stay safe and only learn appropriate play behaviour.
It is worth mentioning however, that rough play doesn't necessarily mean that you have an aggressive dog but just bear in mind that the way they play, could result in an aggressive interaction.
Therefore, always look for reciprocated, fair and even play and intervene if that play is appearing to be one-sided or where any party is looking more over aroused than the other.
It is up to us to help them learn appropriate play behaviours and that means stepping in and stopping play if we see any of the inappropriate points above during puppy play interactions.
Jada Fritsch
2025-07-15 07:03:40
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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. Calmly interrupt or stop the play at this point. The more aroused dogs become, the more likely it is that even appropriate mock battles will turn into something more serious. Teaching a reliable recall and calling the dogs back before things get too rowdy will give them time to calm down before resuming. 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.
Adrain Goodwin
2025-07-15 06:35:43
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But you must resist once you’ve given the “All done!” cue. I used her favorite toy – a tennis ball – to teach her that “All done!” meant there was absolutely no point in continuing to ask me to throw the ball. Give your “All done!” cue, and put the toy somewhere your dog can no longer see it – in a cupboard or in a backpack – and ignore any of your dog’s efforts to re-engage with the toy. You have to be very assertive with them. Make sure to give your dog plenty of opportunities to engage in ball-chasing and other favorite activities daily. Generalize your “All done!” cue by using it in other training situations and recreational activities, so that your dog will realize that the cue means the end of whatever he is doing when he hears it. You can, of course, use whatever cue you want.
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