Every dog is different, not only different shape, size, colour, breed but personality too.
We can learn a lot about our dogs by understanding how they play and their play styles.
For your dog play is an opportunity to investigate the interact with the world in a safe, non threatening way. When dogs play together they use many signals to communicate their friendliness and are constantly checking in to reaffirm their friendly intent, it's like saying; 'this is just a game' and 'I'm just playing'.
There are a number of play styles and mostly dogs prefer one or two but as they mature they can switch between play styles to suit their playmate.
Here are some play styles developed by Dogs Playing for LIfe, Aimee Sadler.
The Gentle, Dainty player
Dogs with this play style play very mutually with minimal physical contact. The dogs may run and play bow however it is relatively quiet and there are a lot of pauses in the play. Dogs who enjoy this play style may become nervous with rougher play which can put them off playing so be watchful for any boisterous adolescents in the mix.
The Rough and Rowdy player
Dogs who enjoy this play style enjoy a mostly mutual approach, it's often very noisy with growls and barking. As the name suggests it is physical with dogs grabbing and holding each other and there's lots of chasing, shoulder barging and tumbles. The energy levels during play increase and decrease. Something to be aware of in this play style is that it can escalate into conflict so being very present and interrupting the play with claps and noise can diffuse any potential disputes.
The Push and Pull player, also known as the Chase me and I'll chase you.
This play style is often mutual with lots of movement; chasing, driving and heeling. This style of play can be noisy with lots of demand barking and other dogs can find it antagonistic.
Seek and Destroy - Be very alert!
This style of play is rooted in prey drive, with lots of role playing. Shoulder barging, rolls, tumbles, lots of mouthing and grabs are common with this play style. It may not appear to be mutual and with it's noise and energy levels can escalate quickly. This play style can be provocative to other dogs watching who can try to join the fray. Observers need to understand their own dog's body language watching closely to intervene should things go wrong.
Understanding play styles is important, but observing how dogs react is key. This can elicit different responses;
Playful - these dogs initiate play and are quick to diffuse or avoid any aggression.
Unsocialised - often over aroused and reactive even with positive cues from others.
Fearful - over whelmed by the environment, people and dogs.
Preylike - fearful and likely to bark in a high pitched way and flee.
Tolerant - these dogs cleverly avoid overtly playful or antagonistic gestures.
Defensive - doesn't initiate but will respond with aggression to bullying or rude play.
Offensive - Avoid this dog, they seek out conflict and have a desire to aggress.
Confident - This dog will diffuse aggression, ignore indifferent dogs, showing calm leadership cues, playing with dogs of either sex. They may correct obnoxious behaviour from others or appropriately submit to antagonistic behaviour.
In groups of dogs a Greeter and the Helper dog may appear.
The Greeter approaches with puppy like enthusiasm, they initiate play with other dogs but may become offended by rude behaviour.
The Helper dog on the other hand is skilled in dog communication and has the ability to give and take correction without much fuss. These dogs are mentally and physically robust, able to tolerate inappropriate behaviour and defend themselves if needed. They may also put themselves in between two other dogs to help diffuse tensions.
Here are some key pointers on play.
Always be watchful and prepared to use your voice or clapping to distract dogs if they get over aroused.
Use a relaxed voice to avoid what's called 'emotional contagion', when emotions are picked up by surrounding animals, e.g., through mirroring body language and vocalisations.
The play needs to be mutual with both dogs taking breaks and swapping roles.
When dogs are playing remove any toys that may become a prized possession and cause conflict.
Never use treats when dogs are playing, it can cause conflict.
Play can change day to day depending on how your dog is feeling and who they are playing with. Always remain calm and be aware; move on if your dog is not enjoying the play.
Now that you understand the different play styles, watch your dog closely when they next play. What styles do they prefer? How do they interact with different dogs? Share your observations in the comments below.
Comments