Play Behavior in Dogs
Play Behavior in Puppies
Puppies begin to play as soon as they can walk. Littermates commonly
wrestle and chase each other, pulling on ears or tails. Through
play with littermates, pups learn just how strong they are or
how to turn circumstances to their advantage. By the time they
are weaned, each pup has formed an impression of its own abilities
and social standing within the ranks of littermates. This forms
the basis for adult behavior, such as achievement of dominance,
in relation to people and other dogs. Play allows a young animal
to practice important life skills without adult consequences.
Running, jumping, hiding and other playful antics could be invaluable
later when hunting for food or escaping an enemy. Play is one
of the best ways to teach desirable behavior to a pet by setting
standards for a lifetime. By tolerating subtle or not so subtle
dominance behavior even in young puppies, for example, you may
encourage inappropriate social patterns.
Undesirable Forms of Play
Wild and uncontrolled forms of play frequently lead to undesirable
behavior in juvenile and adult dogs. Games that encourage chasing
and jumping on people promote aggressiveness. Don't encourage
your dog to mouth, chew, nip or nibble any article of clothing
or part of a person's body, even if it is behaving playfully.
Avoid games that arouse your dog's aggressive instincts, such
as wrestling or tug of war with any object. Forms of play that
do not focus a dog's attention on you or reinforce your authority
may lead to misdirection of the animal's energies. The results
of a dog's unrestricted activity are often undesirable. Also,
you lose the opportunity to teach your dog desirable skills.
Obedience Training During Appropriate Play
Ideally, a pet should behave in a calm and controlled manner.
The ideal dog should obey you and behave gently toward people
under normal circumstances. Play should incorporate obedience
training to provide an opportunity for constructive interaction
with a practical purpose. As compared with wild play, controlled
play is often more enjoyable for both you and your dog, and tends
to inspire more frequent play sessions. Your dog will enjoy obeying
your command to "sit" if this will earn it the right
to chase after a ball. Call your dog to "come" as it
retrieves the ball and to "sit" again when it returns.
Say "drop it" as it gives the ball to you. This is a
chance to practice obedience skills and provides the dog additional
opportunities to earn your praise.