How to tell your dog you're done playing?

When you decide to end the playing, calmly say “done” or “that’s enough” or whatever phrase you want to use. That’s why I use the phrase “That’s enough.” I say it in a serious, mean voice. “That’s enough” is my signal to my dog that means “I’m done throwing the ball, go lie down.” When I say “that’s enough” there is no negotiation. Once you’ve said your “off switch” phrase, you have to mean it. Truly stop playing. I would also avoid talking to your dog, petting your dog and looking at your dog unless he lies down or sits beside you. If he does, praise him. If he keeps pestering you, firmly say “No, that’s enough.”

When I’m playing with them, such as tossing a ball, or playing tug o’ war, I say “All done” which means I’m done playing. Teaching your dog to understand an “off switch” is easy if you’re consistent. The most important part of these lessons is to mean it and follow through. When we’re playing and I want the game to end, I’ll say “all done” and walk away. After just a few repetitions, dogs get the idea. If you’ve been unintentionally reinforcing attention-getting behavior and you’ve decided to eliminate it, once you start persevere! Once you have said “No more,” if necessary get up and walk away rather than giving in to your dog’s pawing or barking for attention. If you give in even once, you’re sunk!

When you do start trying to play, begin very, very low key. Don't have big goals in mind, start by simply aiming to get your dog to touch an item with their foot. Even if they end up giving up straight away and walking off. It is still a start and I'll show you how to build from that point upwards, one step is still a start. Do look at textures of what you are using and items you are trying to interact with. Some dogs can be very sensitive to texture and weight of items. With puppies, I actually often begin with a long, thin piece of ribbon – because it is so easy for them to pick up, to tug on, to touch and it isn’t offensive in any way. It won’t work for many dogs but if you see a slight interest in chasing or things that move, then a ribbon can be a great place to start. Think about making a list of what your dog loves / enjoys / dislikes on a daily basis e.g. if your dog loves to chase things in the park, then it is likely you can think about starting to introduce a chase game but with you involved. The main thing is to understand your dog’s motivation.

We don't always get it right, but the more days we spend in the parks, the more focussed we are on all dogs having a good time, the greater the chance that our own dogs are going to listen to us as we gently correct their behaviour with voice or a subtle hand movement. Its about not being too gun ho and ignoring when another's dog is very uncomfortable and on the verge of a fight or flight situation. You need to take the emotion out of it, you need to stay calm and you need to do the best for the dogs. Judging how rough or fully active two dogs or more can play together can be one of the hardest skills and long term judgements people at dog parks will ever make. Professionally looking after dogs off lead can be very rewarding but also very hard with very varied weather conditions, dogs and random people in the park, not all who are trained that well.

Go sit down, ignore your dog and yawn a few times. That's dog language for I don't want to play. I wave Ollie off and ignore him, he always got the hint, but I dont ever react once I'm done playing, I dont let him goad me into paying attention to him. Maybe give him a Kong with peanut butter or something that will result in him laying down to chew. This way he will learn that you are not going to play with him and what he should do instead. You could also give him the toy in his crate to enforce the idea that it is quiet time and the kennel is a place to be calm.