What does inappropriate dog play look like?
Lloyd Abshire
2025-06-06 01:05:54
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When boisterous dogs try to engage calmer dogs, several negative outcomes occur: The calmer dog experiences stress and anxiety that can build over time into fear of all dogs. The boisterous dog gets reinforced for inappropriate dog play behaviour, making them more likely to repeat it. The energetic dog may be told off by the other dog. This is unfair to the dog wanting to be left alone as sometimes even if they shout, the other dog isn’t listening.
If a dog displays any of these signs, they’re likely not interested in interaction: Appears elderly or moving stiffly, Shows nervous behaviour, Has their tail tucked, Is trying to move away, Turns their head away repeatedly, Freezes when approached, Lifts a paw, Licks their lips frequently.
Just like humans, dogs have individual personalities, preferences, and communication styles. Some dogs love rough-and-tumble play, while others prefer gentle interaction or no interaction at all with unfamiliar dogs.
Let’s be clear: If play isn’t mutually enjoyed, it isn’t play!
Donald Walker
2025-06-01 16:07:04
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Inappropriate dog play includes signs such as if either dog is running away or trying to escape or hide from the other dog, continued or excessive yelping, barking in the face of another dog, escalating growling, barring of teeth, hard staring, stiff bodies or tense body language. Pinning down, where a dog stands over another dog for a prolonged time, is also a sign of inappropriate dog play. Continued mouthing, nipping, biting or holding, standing or leaning over the head, neck and/or shoulders of the other dog, and standing up on hind legs for too long can also indicate inappropriate play. When a cornered dog starts air snapping, or when large dogs don't self handicap and play too rough with little dogs, leaving them feeling overwhelmed or even causing injury, it is also a sign of inappropriate play. Additionally, escalated arousal levels, body slamming, and continued or relentless chasing with no role reversal are all signs of inappropriate dog play.
Leda Kessler
2025-05-20 13:02:56
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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. Rude behaviors are: Neck biting and collar grabbing. Excessive barking and harassing another dog. 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.
Hailee Bergstrom
2025-05-20 12:39:22
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Dogs playing naturally can really look rough and worries many owners. Lucy, the Australian Cattle Dog puppy, has had practice getting overly aroused while playing. Because of this, when Dozer the pug mix gets irritated with her, she quickly escalates to fighting back. drsophiayin.com presents a video showing inappropriate dog play. Inappropriate dog play can involve a dog getting overly aroused and escalating to fighting back when another dog gets irritated with them. Dogs are natural resource guarders and it is vital that you prevent this from becoming a dangerous behaviour.
Kelsi Howe
2025-05-20 12:18:56
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When dogs aren't playing, their bodies will become very stiff.
Their hackles, which is the hair on their upper backs, are raised.
If your dog has long hair, this may be harder to spot.
Their growls will be different too.
They will have low warning growls, closed mouths, and curled lips.
Their ears will be pinned flat — no big, silly smiles.
Dogs are trying to get away from one another, or at least one probably is, and their body language reflects that.
They won’t be happy and bouncy.
Instead, their tail may also be tucked underneath them.
A dog that feels threatened will have quick and efficient movements.
They won’t be bouncing around, and definitely won’t be “taking turns” like they did when they were playing.
If dogs do end up fighting, it will hopefully be a short encounter.
Unlike playing, the “loser” won’t stick around, and will try to leave the area.
Since they’re not playing, they’re also not going back to one another for more play.
Neither dog is likely having fun, but the loser certainly isn’t.
Cornelius Thiel
2025-05-20 11:42:27
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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. 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. The more aroused dogs become, the more likely it is that even appropriate mock battles will turn into something more serious. 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.
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