Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Play:

Understanding Puppy Interactions

As a breeder and dog trainer with over 30 years of experience, I’ve had the pleasure of observing countless puppy interactions, both at home and in more social settings like dog parks. One of the most common concerns I hear from puppy owners is whether their pets are playing appropriately or if what they’re witnessing is something more concerning. It’s a valid question, especially for those new to raising a puppy, and today, I want to share my observations to help you understand what is considered normal, healthy play versus behavior that might require intervention.

Understanding Puppy Play

Puppies, like children, learn a lot about the world through play. It’s how they develop social skills, establish boundaries, and burn off that seemingly endless energy. Play is a crucial part of a puppy’s development, and it’s not only normal but necessary for their growth.

However, not all play looks the same, and it’s important to recognize the difference between healthy play and interactions that could be harmful or escalate into something more serious.

What is Appropriate Play?

Appropriate play between puppies (and even between puppies and adult dogs) is generally characterized by the following behaviors:

1.    Loose and Wiggly Bodies: When puppies are engaging in appropriate play, their bodies are often relaxed and wiggly. They might bounce around each other, take turns chasing, and even mouth each other without applying significant pressure. This loose body language is a good indicator that both dogs are enjoying themselves.
2.    Play Bows: A classic sign of playful intent, the play bow is when a puppy lowers its front half, leaving its rear end in the air. This is an invitation to play and is a clear sign that the interaction is friendly.
3.    Role Reversals: In healthy play, you’ll notice puppies often take turns being the “chaser” and the “chased” or the one on top versus the one on the bottom. This back-and-forth shows that both dogs are comfortable and willing participants in the play session.
4.    Pausing: Even during energetic play, puppies will often take short pauses to catch their breath or check in with each other. These pauses are a natural way for dogs to regulate their play and ensure things don’t get out of hand.
5.    Happy Facial Expressions: Pay attention to their faces. In appropriate play, you’ll often see relaxed mouths, wagging tails, and overall “happy” expressions. This, combined with their loose body movements, shows that the play is all in good fun.

Recognizing Inappropriate Play

While it’s normal for play to sometimes look a bit rough, certain behaviors can indicate that the interaction is becoming inappropriate or that one or both puppies are no longer having fun. Here’s what to watch out for:

1.    Tense Bodies: If you notice that one or both puppies are stiffening up, with tense muscles or a rigid posture, this is a sign that the play is no longer enjoyable for one of the participants.
2.    One-Sided Play: If one puppy is consistently pinning the other down, chasing without allowing the other a chance to switch roles, or dominating the interaction, it might be a sign that the play has become too intense or is bordering on bullying.
3.    Yelping or Crying: While it’s normal for puppies to yelp occasionally during play, persistent yelping or crying is a sign that one puppy might be getting too rough. At this point, it’s a good idea to intervene and give them a break.
4.    Avoidance: If one puppy is trying to avoid the other by hiding, running away, or showing signs of stress (such as licking their lips excessively, yawning, or trying to escape), it’s time to separate them and let them calm down.
5.    Growling or Snapping: While play growling can be normal, especially in breeds that are more vocal, growling combined with snapping, especially if the snapping is directed at a sensitive area like the face, is a clear sign that the interaction has turned aggressive.

What Should You Do?

If you observe inappropriate play, the best thing to do is calmly and gently separate the puppies, giving them both a chance to cool off. Sometimes, a short break is all they need before they can return to playing nicely.

It’s also important to ensure that play sessions are supervised, especially with young puppies or when introducing new dogs. This helps you step in early if things start to escalate and ensures that all interactions remain positive and beneficial for your puppy’s development.

Final Thoughts

Play is a vital part of your puppy’s socialization and development. Understanding the difference between appropriate and inappropriate play will help you foster a positive environment where your puppy can learn and grow. Remember, every puppy is different, and some may need more guidance than others to learn how to play nicely. With patience and supervision, you can help ensure that your puppy’s playtime is not only fun but also safe and constructive.

If you ever have concerns about your puppy’s play behavior or need additional guidance, we’re always here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’re available for virtual visits and virtual training sessions to support you and your puppy in any way we can.