Polite Play

This blog post likely ties into socialization, communication and calming signals, but it's still an important enough topic to warrant a post in and of itself. Playing nicely with other dogs is something that I feel, unfortunately, we don't see too often. Dogs become too rough or are under socialized and react with fear and snap too quickly. It's important to have a dog who is willing to put himself out there for play but also respects the feelings of the dog he is interacting with. Compare this scenario to children. You would hope your child isn't painstakingly shy to the point where she doesn't chose to make contact with anyone on the playground. You also don't want a child who runs up to the first kid they see, push them over and take their toy. Dogs have to find a balance playing with each other as well.

In the following clips, you will see my personal dogs again. Shimmer and Vengeance have a very polite relationship with each other. From the day Vengeance came into our home, he has worshiped the ground Shimmer walks on. He's always wanted to be just like big sister and do what she does. Shimmer took a while to warm up to Vengeance but adores him and is very protective of him. Both have their moments of initiating play. They are almost equally sized. Shimmer is 19" at the withers and approximately 40 pounds while Vengeance is 19.5" at the withers and approximately 33 pounds. Shimmer, however, has a good bit of muscle and is well versed in the art of wrestling where Vengeance does more running and sprinting. Regardless of that, they both enjoy a good rough housing session and are excellent communicators while this play takes place.

"We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything, than when we are at play." -Charles Shaefer

This first clip is the beginning of play and very mild but affectionate and sweet "bitey-face". Both dogs are aware of their teeth and are simply getting the game started.

In this second clip, the game has begun to escalate and both dogs are being quite active and playful. However, both are still extremely aware of their surroundings and the strength of their bite.

This last clip shows how rough and crazy play can become. Regardless, you will notice not a single yelp. Neither Shimmer nor Vengeance vocalize in a manner that would lead me to think they are upset. Both are excited but have been taught by interacting with others to know their limits. And at the same time, both dogs know their limits are different when playing with each other versus a dog they do not live with and know as well as each other.

So, let your dogs play! Allow them to frolic and enjoy life. But, make sure they know how to do it politely!!!