Our dog trainers are often asked to speak or write about dog safety at dog parks. Today’s entry addresses behavior we actually witnessed at a local dog park this morning and the owner’s contention that her dog was “just playing.” This leads us into topic #1, what is appropriate play? What does it look like?
What is Appropriate Dog Play at the Dog Park?
1. Mouthing occasionally (no teeth and no hold) is normal dog behavior. Biting or nipping at another dog’s neck, legs, or other body parts is not good behavior. If your dog bites at the flesh or collar of another dog and will not let go, if you or someone else has to pull that dog off of another, this is not appropriate play. In fact, this isn’t “play” at all. A dog exhibiting these behaviors should not be in a dog park until he is properly socialized and learns how to play appropriately.
2. Chasing other dogs is normal dog behavior but there are clear rules to this game which all dogs should instinctively understand. Dogs take turns chasing and being chased, this is the fun and the spirit of the game. The game is over when one dog stops running, lays down or hides himself. If a dog continuously pursues another dog, even when the other dog is hiding, or with his human for protection, this is not “play”. Watch your dog when he is chasing another dog. Does the other dog turn around and chase yours too? If the answer is “yes”, that’s great dog play! If your dog is only chasing other dogs and they are not chasing him back, pay closer attention. Does your dog give up the chase or continue his pursuit? Is he pursuing a dog that is lying down or hiding from him? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes”, please remove your dog from the dog park. The other dogs are telling him that they are fearful of him, do not want to play and are utilizing their “flight” option. If the chaser doesn’t leave him alone, he may have no choice but to pursue his “fight option” in order to protect himself from the chaser.
Even though we took training dogs to the park, (they are normally non-reactive), we removed them immediately after witnessing these behaviors repeatedly from one dog. If you are unsure if your dog is behaving offensively, a good indicator is if people are leaving with their dogs to get away from yours. Watch to see if the dogs leaving are dogs which have been recently “played with” by your dog and if people are leaving in mass. Three people made their exit shortly before or after we did, one of which was compelled to carry her dog out.
What’s appropriate play at dog parks
Day 2
The Play Bow
I’ll bet everyone has seen this behavior, now you know that it has a name. A play bow is a dog body gesture which is universally understood in the dog world. It’s an invitation to play and a gesture which lets other dogs know that they are dealing with a safe and friendly playmate.
What does it look like?
Paws and front legs stretched out in front of the dog, rear end in the air, head position generally lowered, tail usually wagging. Come play with me! May or may not come with one or two short barks just to make sure their gesture is seen.
Good doggie etiquette calls for a response to a play bow. The dog on the receiving end will either accept the invitation, which usually starts a game of chase, or will decline by lying down, ignoring or walking away. Bummer!
Comment by admin — July 31, 2009 @ 7:07 am
What’s appropriate play at dog parks
Day 3
Sniffing other dog’s….body parts
When dogs sniff another dog’s behind, it’s equivalent to two humans shaking hands. From a human perspective, it’s a nasty little behavior we wish we didn’t see but in the dog world, this is a perfectly acceptable way of greeting and getting to know each other.
When dogs sniff another dog’s rear end, they obtain a lot of information. For example, the scent identifies the other dog for future reference, tells the sniffing dog how the other dog feels that day, his dominance status, what he’s been eating lately and even provides information on his health!
This behavior is appropriate and completely natural. As long as the “sniffee” isn’t objecting, it’s best to let nature take its course and not interrupt the greeting ritual. If interrupted, the “sniffer” may be compelled to repeatedly go back to the other dog to finish his information gathering and that’s probably not going to be appreciated by the “sniffee!”
Comment by Paws in Training Editor — August 5, 2009 @ 10:43 am
What’s appropriate play at dog parks
Day 4
Running, reciprocal chasing, jumping, leaping…all wonderful signs to see at the dog park! These dog behaviors are dogs being dogs and having fun.
Here’s some dominant behaviors to watch for, indicating that dogs are not playing but making dominance gestures:
1. Dog standing over another dog
2. Dog attempting to lay on top of another dog
3. Putting a paw or head across another dog’s back or head
4. Humping (tomorrow’s topic)
While some of these behaviors look cute and can be mistaken for an invitation to play, (especially the paw slap across the back) these behaviors are really about dominance. The dog on top is signaling to the underdog and any observers that he rules over this dog. If you see this behavior, it’s best to stop it quickly by redirecting the dominant fellow into a different game.
Dominance displays in any pack setting can quickly get out of hand. Non-dominant dogs get tense and it creates an opportunity for any other dominant dog to challenge the one who made the first dominant display. If you’ve never seen it, take my word for it…you DON’T want to see two dominant dogs get into a fight. One will not be walking away without serious injury. This is also dangerous for observing dogs as it’s natural for other dogs to “join in” when they are in a pack environment. Before you know it, a fight between two becomes a free for all.
Ideas for redirection: Keep a squeaky toy in your pocket or a whistle and let it rip at the first sign of these behaviors. Use verbal commands in a high-pitched voice, whistle or clap your hands loudly. You can even toss a ball right in front of of directly over the dominant dog. You only have to get his attention for a second to break the dog’s focus from the other dog. It’s best to do this just before the dog attempts any of these behaviors as opposed to once he’s in the middle of his dominance display. If you’re watching your dog closely as you should be in this environment, you’ll see the signs coming. Redirection is much harder once a dog is actively involved in executing a behavior.
Try not to scream at the dominant dog or yank him off the other dog as you don’t want to add frustration to the mix or risk getting bitten. If the dominant dog cannot be redirected, he should be taken out of the dog park for his and other dog’s safety.
Have a safe and fun day at the dog park!
Comment by Paws in Training Editor — August 7, 2009 @ 7:15 am
So, after reading all this, I was wondering if you think it is safe for dogs to go to the dog park?
Comment by Uncertain — August 7, 2009 @ 9:06 am
My personal opinion is that dog parks are an excellent socializing and exercise outlet for dogs. The safety factor isn’t contingent on the dogs but rather, on the humans. It’s the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure that their dog is suited for this environment and has previously demonstrated that their dog is socialized (dog parks are not the place to learn this.) If their dog is not acting appropriately, they must be willing to remove their dog ASAP. This is where education comes in. Most dog owners aren’t dog trainers or behaviorists nor do they typically have a degree in doggie psychology or body language. Often, they assume their dog is “just playing” because that’s the only behavior they’ve ever seen so they don’t know that the behavior may not be appropriate.
Remember, while you can’t control the actions of another dog or human, you can control what your dog does and what he is exposed to. Knowing the signs of good and not so good canine and human behavior at dog parks will keep you and your pet safe. If you see something you don’t like, take your dog out and come back another day. And if you’re seeing behaviors you don’t like in your dog, remember that you have the same obligation. Not every dog is suited for an off-leash, pack environment and your dog may be one of them.
Woof! Who’s up for a romp in the park?
Comment by admin — August 7, 2009 @ 11:46 am
dog parks is excellent to every dog because when the dogs is in the park this is the time for them to play to other dogs,running each other,the responsibility of the owner is to ensure that their dogs is doing good to everyone..
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Comment by Boymnmonerype — January 1, 2010 @ 10:54 pm
A year ago I adopted a very sweet (now 3yrs old) GSP from a breeder (who had several other dogs in the house with him). While he’s never bitten anyone usually shows no aggression towards anyone or anything, I’ve discovered he doesn’t play nice with many other dogs. He wrestles and goes after the flesh or collar of another dog and will not let go. I at first thought this was just play fighting/play wrestling, but did a little reading and discovered otherwise. How to I re-teach him to play politely with other dogs? Is there a positive reinforcement method available?
Comment by Carolyn Reig — January 6, 2010 @ 7:27 pm
Carolyn- Good for you for recognizing the signs of unsafe play and for taking steps to research the situation. You can use positive reinforcement methods to modify any behavior but first, we have to get to the root of the problem and uncover exactly what is causing your dog to react in this manner. It may be fear, anxiety, redirected aggression or a host of other things. A training plan really can’t be implemented until the dogs triggers are identified. Without that critical component, a training plan probably won’t work and may actually make the dog worse if you’re addressing the wrong problem. Please call us at your convenience, we’ll be happy to perform a behavioral assessment evaluation and provide an appropriate training plan.
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