So, what exactly are we looking for?
The best play consists of exaggerated repetitive movements. We want to see loose, wiggly body movements, the curvier the better. Good play generally consists of low, slow wagging tails. If you recall from Canine Body Language, full wags are more friendly. They are also more playful. Below we show pictures of great examples of good play. To the unknown eye these behaviors could be interpreted as red traffic signals. Of course a picture is just a snap shot but these behaviors are examples that we want to see in play groups.
Play Bows
A play bow is a solicitation of play from one dog to another. It’s their way of letting you know that what they’re doing is all fun and games. In this posture the dog has his shoulders and front-end down towards the ground and his rear in the air as you see in this picture. If play begins to seem rough and you are unsure if you should intervene look to see if both dogs are play bowing, that will help you with your decision.
Exaggerated and Repetitive Movements
The best play consists of exaggerated repetitive movements. In the photo to the left, look at the crazy way the hound has his neck and the wild flaying legs of the husky. These would be useless body positions if the dog were actually going to fight. They are big and exaggerated and those types of movements are usually playful.
Lateral Movements
Most play between dogs consists of lateral movements. This means the dogs will jump to the left and jump to the right, they might also spin a time or two. All of these are more playful than the dog that comes in frontally and in a straight line and then backs out again in a straight line.
Low, Slow Wagging Tails
Good play generally consists of low, slow wagging tails. Full wags are more friendly and are also more playful. Curves in the dog’s body also indicate play. And you can’t get much more curvy than the Golden Retriever on the ground in this photo. Balanced play between dogs means that they take turns in whatever roles they are playing. So they might take turns pinning one another on the ground briefly, or take turns standing over one another, or even take turns chasing each other. That’s what we mean by balanced play.
Watch this video to see appropriate play behaviors in action.