Wondering if your dog is playing appropriately with other dogs?

Playing with other dogs is a great way to exercise your dog but it is important to know how to read a dog’s body language.  By knowing the difference between appropriate and inappropriate play, you will be able to decide whether or not your dog is having a good time and staying safe.

Appropriate Dog Play

• Play-bows (elbows down and rear end in the air) 
  
• Loose, relaxed bodies 
  
• Taking turns in regards to who is one top or who is chasing the other
  
• Inhibiting their bites
  
• Brief pauses in play 

Inappropriate Dog Play

• One dog trying to run away or hide
  
• Stiff, rigid bodies with “hard” eyes
  
• One dog continually being pushy and not letting the other dog get up
  
• Continual yelping or escalation of growling

These are just a few things to look for to determine appropriate play.  Play can quickly escalate between dogs so it is important to provide constant supervision.  A good gauge to determine whether a dog is having a good time is to interrupt their play and redirect the dogs to each owner every few minutes.  If both dogs can be interrupted or redirected for a few seconds and then go willingly back to each, they are enjoying the playtime.

For some video on appropriate dog play, check out these videos from the Dog Star Daily and Dr. Sophia Yin's website: 

http://drsophiayin.com/resources/video_full/jonesy-ryder-appropriate-dog-play

http://www.dogstardaily.com/videos/appropriate-play-between-two-dog