| It has been said in the human world "all work and no | | | | Once your dog joins the group in the play area, keep a |
| play, makes Jack a dull boy." Well, it is about the same | | | | watchful eye on the group. Dogs are like children and |
| in the canine world, too. It is important that a dog gets | | | | sometimes playing in a large group ends up with one |
| to play with other dogs, not only for fun and exercise, | | | | or more getting mad, upset or hurt. They need |
| but to develop and to keep its socialization skills. | | | | constant supervision. |
| Play sessions with other dogs is important because if | | | | As an owner visiting the dog park with your pet is it |
| the dog does not associate with others of its kind, it will | | | | wise to keep moving, this keeps the dogs moving and |
| soon "de-socialize" and lose its ability to interact with | | | | they are less apt to get into a scuffle. It is also a very |
| other dogs. | | | | good idea if your dog and another are playing hard, |
| Dogs in many ways are a lot like people, they have | | | | make them take a ten-second break every few |
| their preferences as to who they want to play with. | | | | minutes. This keeps the excitement down and |
| Even the most socialized dog will not want to play with | | | | prevents any mishaps, as dogs like children get overly |
| every dog it meets. | | | | excited. |
| Some dogs prefer to play with like colored dogs, that | | | | If you notice any sign of stress either in your dog or |
| have gentle type play styles, some prefer to play with | | | | the dog(s) involved in the play call a halt to the game. |
| males instead of females, and some prefer to play | | | | Signs of stress can be half-moon eyes, lip licking, a |
| with young dogs, while others prefer older dogs. There | | | | dropped down tail, yawning, and ears pulled back or |
| are dogs that love to play with a large group and | | | | stiff body language. |
| some who prefer one on one play. | | | | It is times like this that you have to listen to your |
| It is important that you are aware of your dog's play | | | | instincts and not to what other people might be saying. |
| styles and you learn this by watching your dog as a | | | | Any sign that does not feel right to you is definitely a |
| puppy playing with other dogs. | | | | sign to get your dog and leave. By doing so you may |
| What are dog play styles? Well, some dogs like | | | | be saving your dog and yourself from a bad situation. |
| cat-like play (pouncing - using their paws, spinning | | | | Things to keep in mind: |
| around the other dog without touching); others like | | | | If you have a small dog it is important that you find a |
| chasing (with playful stalking and taking turns chasing | | | | dog park that has a separate area for small dogs only. |
| one another.) Larger breeds love to body slam each | | | | Medium and large dogs need lots of space to run and |
| other (which includes hard bumps, shouldering, pushing | | | | play, if your park is not very large, try going at |
| into walls and wrestling) and then there is the | | | | off-hours, if possible. |
| neck-biting group (lying down with gentle neck biting, | | | | There are more and more groups being formed for |
| also on the face and ears.) | | | | play dates for dogs, you can find a group in your area |
| Different breeds have different styles of play. Toy | | | | by going to or by doing a Google search in your area. |
| breeds seem to prefer the cat and mouse pouncing | | | | One of the best things you can do, is make play dates |
| type of play, sight hounds love a good game of chase, | | | | for your dog in your backyard with dogs of your |
| the working dogs like Newfoundlands and Saint | | | | friends and neighbors. Just be certain to supervise and |
| Bernard's love chasing and body slamming. While other | | | | keep things calm. |
| working dogs like boxers, Great Danes, Samoyed, | | | | If you have a puppy, be certain that it has all its shots |
| mastiffs and huskies like neck biting in their playtime. | | | | before taking it to a dog park and when you are there |
| How do you know which dog will make a good | | | | be very watchful, as a bad experience for your |
| playmate for your dog? Size matters, the dogs should | | | | impressionable puppy, could create a life long problem |
| be similar in size and neither dog should be more than | | | | with other dogs. |
| twice the weight of the other. | | | | Playgroups, dog parks and backyard romps with |
| You need to make introductions gradually. It is | | | | friends is a great way for a puppy/dog to let off |
| important that the dogs meet each other on neutral | | | | steam, get exercise and learn social dog manners. It is |
| ground (either through a fence or by walking each dog | | | | up to you, however, to recognize your dog's method |
| on a leash.) | | | | of playing and to keep that in mind, when introducing |
| If your dog has never been to a dog park it is a good | | | | him/her to other dogs. It is also your responsibility to |
| idea is to leave your dog off leash in the holding area | | | | know when your dog has had enough and needs to |
| until the dogs in the play area have greeted your dog | | | | stop playing and go home. |
| through the fence and have gone back to play. This | | | | It is all about having fun and as with children, you need |
| removes the stress your dog would feel if suddenly a | | | | to know when "enough is enough" when it comes to |
| large group of dogs loomed down on him/her and your | | | | doggy playtime. |
| dog has no place to escape to. | | | | |