Updated on: November 24, 2024
“He just wants to play!”
“She’s having so much fun!”
You’ve likely heard either of these statements when seeing two or more dogs interact with one another. But how do you know if the way they’re playing isn’t actually healthy or enriching? 🤔
Just like how adults continue to supervise children at the playground, you’ll pick up on your dog’s play style and body language signals as you observe and supervise play.
Learning how to read dog-to-dog body language signals assures you he’s enjoying his playtime 🟢 with other dogs, or flags 🚩 any moment you need to step in when things get awry, and play becomes rowdy and intense.
Types of play communication
When watching play body language, look for these two types of play communication:
- Mutual interactions – are both dogs on the same page, showing a shared interest to interact with each other? Do they move away when the other dog signals their need to take a break? The goal is for dogs to practice “active listening” through body language, and look for “mutual interactions” when playing together.
- Cut-off signals – is one dog moving their head away, avoiding eye contact, creating distance, or mouthing the other dog during interaction? Dogs use these cut-off signals to stop play or tell the other dog they’re not interested. This is when we, humans, can step in to help our dogs.
- De-escalation – what may look like an invitation to play may actually be the dog trying to de-escalate an intense situation. For example, a dog gets in between two dogs, lowers their body to the ground, lip licks or exposes their underbelly.
Body Language Breakdowns
Videos
- “Green”, “Yellow”, and “Red” Behaviors by the Shelter Alliance Playgroup (YouTube)
- “Managing Arousal for Safe and Healthy Play” by the Shelter Alliance Playgroup (YouTube)
- “Adorable! Puppy Bean and Peanut are Falling in Love” from Grisha Stewart’s YouTube channel is a glimpse at play behavior that’s healthy and mutual between two dogs.
- “What’s Wrong with this Dog Play” is another of Grisha’s videos that show a real-life example of an interaction that escalates to unhealthy play. This was of her two dogs, Bean and Peanut.
Books
- Canine Play Behavior – The Science Of Dogs At Play by Mechtild Kaufer (Dogwise, ebook available)
- He’s Only Playing! Meeting, Greeting and Play Between Dogs. What’s OK, What’s Not. by Sarah Whitehead (Dogwise, ebook available)
- What’s Up, Pup?: How Our Furry Friends Communicate and What They Are Saying by Kersten Hamilton (Dogwise)
Found a video, book, article, or photo of dog play styles or body language? Share them through email stef@diwadogs.com or Instagram @diwadogstraining.
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