Play!: Recognizing Healthy Play

If you've ever been around young dogs, the position in this photo should look familiar. Front end down, hind end up, with a relaxed face. That's the play bow and these two dogs are exhibiting very healthy play and they love to wrestle everyday... but what constitutes healthy play?

You may go to the dog park with your dog and see two dogs "wrestling", but one dog is playing entirely from the floor while the other entirely from above. Even if it looks like fun at a first glance, this is not healthy play. This kind of play lacks one of the most important qualities: equality.

When dogs play, there should be a clear give and take from the dogs. If the dogs are chasing each other, it should rotate between dog A chasing dog B and dog B chasing dog A. There should also be rotations between who is playing from the ground and who is playing from above if they're wrestling. If one of the dogs is staying on the ground with a leg up and tail tucked, it's nervous. Growling is normal in healthy play, but it should not be intense or prolonged and it should be coming from both dogs.

Body language should be loose and relaxed, even when they are flinging themselves around the yard. Tails should be up and tongues should be lolling around. That dog is having fun!

If one of your dogs is being domineering rather than playing, you should intervene and correct. If this is allowed to continue, it could lead to fighting when the dog being bullied has had enough.

To intervene, interrupt play and remove the intense dog for a bit to settle back down. If this is common, you can put a leash on your dog and let her drag it around so you can interfere and correct more easily. You do not want your other dog to learn she needs to defend herself.

If another dog is bullying your dog or if your dog is being domineering at a dog park, play group, or meet up with friends, it might be best just to leave unless interactions with that dog will happen often. Remember, if you're uncomfortable, split it up or reach out to someone to ask if the play looks healthy to them.