All in Fun... or Is It?
 Observing dogs play can be a lot like watching a World Wrestling Smackdown. Both leave you wondering, are those two really fighting?
In addition to chasing and pinning, it's commonplace to witness growls, snarls, and even nipping at each others' heels between dogs who are simply enjoying themselves.
So, since play behaviors so closely resemble fighting behaviors - indeed, dogs imitate fighting when they play - it's important to be able to identify some key differences.
1. Play bows
Even if you don't recognize the name, you've seen the stance: chest to the ground, paws out front, butt in the air. It's the signal dogs use to let their playing partner know, "What follows is just a game - these 'fighting' moves are all in fun."
2. Breaks
When dogs play, they actually take short breaks from time to time. They'll stop tussling or chasing to seemingly catch their breath, and often one or both will offer another play bow.
3. "Voluntary downs"
Also known as "self-handicapping," a "voluntary down" is when one pup willingly assumes a submissive position: that is, lie on his back, belly exposed. You wouldn't see this behavior during real fighting, as it renders the dog completely vulnerable.
|
You Talkin' to Me?
 Canines communicate largely through body language. Their tails, ears, muzzles, and hackles all speak volumes - and in a language humans don't readily pick up. (Face it, when was the last time you understood what a friend was trying to telling you, simply by observing her ears?)
Barbara Handelman's Canine Behavior - A Photo Illustrated Handbook is like the secret decoder manual you'll wonder how you and your pup ever lived without. Its illustrations and concise explanations provide helpful insight into just what's going on inside that canine noggin. Still, don't expect you and Rover to be discussing politics any time soon. |
