Most owners are delighted when their dog runs around like crazy with other pets. We used to call such interactions fun. Unfortunately, what looks like crazy, joyful, carefree playing to us is not always a pleasure for all its participants.
So, how do you judge whether it is fun or a fight to survive?
Careful observation of the dog’s body language will tell you the most about the nature of a given interaction. First, you should focus on whether the body is relaxed or tense and whether the movements are soft or stiff.
I know it is not easy for the untrained eye to see, but it is worth trying and getting better at it. Careful observation of the dog will bring results: you will catch more details with time.
However, before you become an expert in reading your dog, check if dogs take breaks occasionally. It is a good sign if they can stop to smell something in peace or lie down and rest. Resting together means that they feel good in each other’s company.
Also, try to observe if any dog uses the so-called self-impaired behaviours. For example, he may lie down on the ground and voluntarily expose his stomach or neck. If a larger, stronger, or more experienced dog behaves this way, he is trying to show his friend that it is nothing serious, just fun. Sometimes, such behaviours are presented by both dogs. It means that they feel safe in this relationship.
Some say that dogs have to switch roles while playing together: first, one chases, then the other. Here, opinions are divided among professionals. Michele Minunno claims that it is not necessarily so. His observations show that some dogs prefer to run away, while others prefer to chase. So why should they switch roles if they have just the perfectly matching companion to play together, and they are happy not to switch? It’s a bit like playing cops and robbers as a child. If everyone wants to be a police officer, you have to swap roles, but if someone prefers to play the role of a dark character, everyone can stick to their favourite role, and the idea of swapping roles loses its sense.
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