See Dog Play. Play Dog Play.
One of the deepest and most important elements of a dog's development is socialization with other dogs. Dogs are pack animals and, while human interaction in a domestic capacity is important, we cannot fulfill for them the same role that another dog can. When dogs are together they will naturally bond in a very primal, hierarchal way. They don't have to work at this, it's instinctual.
Good Play, Bad Play
In black and white terms, there are dominant dogs and submissive dogs, alphas and the rest of the pack. But there are also some very subtle shades of these extremes that are fleshed out as dogs spend time together. We see this dynamic play out through, well, play.
Dogs can form incredibly strong bonds to each other through play. When two or more dogs seem to "get along", they will often play themselves out until they are tired. While it may simply appear like fun, this behavior is satisfying a host of psychological needs for the dogs.
Sometimes, though, two dogs end up in a struggle for dominance. That's when things can get hairy. When two very dominant animals challenge each other, there is little mistaking it; but when the struggle happens between dogs with more subtle personalities, it can be difficult for an untrained eye to spot trouble before it gets out of hand.
The following are pointers to help you better understand these dog behavior dynamics and to keep your dog safe and happy when they are with their furry friends.
Pack Mentality
Most dogs thrive in social situations. Dog parks, "play dates" and doggie daycare are all great ways to provide group interactions and allow your pup to be a part of a pack. When you bring your dog into an environment with other dogs, they will instinctually begin to conform to the emotional state of the group. If there is tension and fear, they will become tense; if there is peace and stability, they will feel more balanced. Naturally, they will want to play, so let them! But be prepared to step in should play become too aggressive for comfort; and always stay calm, dogs feed off of human emotion too, especially that of their pack leader.
Dave Cugno is the premier dog trainer in the Philadelphiaarea. He serves the Mid-Atlantic region including Southeastern PA and the Philadelphia area, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Maryland, and Virginia.
Good Play, Bad Play
In black and white terms, there are dominant dogs and submissive dogs, alphas and the rest of the pack. But there are also some very subtle shades of these extremes that are fleshed out as dogs spend time together. We see this dynamic play out through, well, play.
Dogs can form incredibly strong bonds to each other through play. When two or more dogs seem to "get along", they will often play themselves out until they are tired. While it may simply appear like fun, this behavior is satisfying a host of psychological needs for the dogs.
Sometimes, though, two dogs end up in a struggle for dominance. That's when things can get hairy. When two very dominant animals challenge each other, there is little mistaking it; but when the struggle happens between dogs with more subtle personalities, it can be difficult for an untrained eye to spot trouble before it gets out of hand.
The following are pointers to help you better understand these dog behavior dynamics and to keep your dog safe and happy when they are with their furry friends.
- Aggressive Play: Certain breeds play harder than others. Bull breeds and boxers, for example, are rough players. While rough play is not fighting, it can heighten tensions and become a catalyst for something more aggressive. Look for the wagging tails to know that they are getting along.
- Mounting: To exert dominance, a dog will often mount another dog, sometimes with mixed results. Again, depending where on that subtle spectrum their personalities are, this could lead to issues. Since you should be the leader of your pack, you should discourage this behavior in your dog.
- Chase Games: Play can often break out into a chase. While this is great exercise, it can kick start a "prey drive" in the wrong dog and can lead to more aggressive behavior. There is no need to stop it unless it creates a bigger problem.
- Biting: Not all biting is bad. Many times during play dogs will mouth at each other, bearing teeth or latching on in what appears to be a threatening way. There are differences between this and true aggression. Playing dogs will not bite hard enough to do any significant damage. Again, watch the tails and listen. You'll hear it if a dog is truly hurt.
- Keep Your Ears Open: Growling, grunting and barking are all noises you could expect to hear when dogs are playing together. If play starts to get a bit out of hand, you should hear a noticeable difference in "tone" (as long as you're paying attention). If you think aggression is flaring up, act quickly to shift your dog's attention because when things go bad, they can do so in an instant.
Pack Mentality
Most dogs thrive in social situations. Dog parks, "play dates" and doggie daycare are all great ways to provide group interactions and allow your pup to be a part of a pack. When you bring your dog into an environment with other dogs, they will instinctually begin to conform to the emotional state of the group. If there is tension and fear, they will become tense; if there is peace and stability, they will feel more balanced. Naturally, they will want to play, so let them! But be prepared to step in should play become too aggressive for comfort; and always stay calm, dogs feed off of human emotion too, especially that of their pack leader.
Dave Cugno is the premier dog trainer in the Philadelphiaarea. He serves the Mid-Atlantic region including Southeastern PA and the Philadelphia area, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Maryland, and Virginia.
