Playing with other dogs is arguably the most fun for your dog. At least, when everything goes smoothly and without incident. The ideal scenario for every owner is for dogs to socialize and have fun with other dogs. When your dog engages in activities that stimulate their body and mind, you can see the joy on their face.
This image, however, breaks down the moment rough play first occurs. Your dog develops the annoying habit of growling, biting, attacking, and chasing other dogs. Instead of making new friends, your dog is trying to assert his dominance over the other dogs. His rough play hasn't yet led to a fight, but it soon will. Because you don't want to stop him from having fun, it's time to show him how to behave.
Is it possible that your dog is overly aggressive when playing with other dogs?
Sometimes it can be challenging to distinguish between good play and play that crosses the line. Growling and biting are perfectly natural behaviors for dogs to exhibit while having fun.
Dogs have a unique language that allows them to communicate with each other. Because humans aren't always adept at picking up on these subtle cues, what seems like a life-and-death struggle between two playmates could actually be their wonderful time together.
The problem arises, however, when that delicate balance is disturbed. As soon as one of the dogs decides playing isn't fun anymore, the situation is more likely to spiral out of control. Every dog is unique, and even their play methods can vary significantly.
Here are some telltale signs that your dog is taking fun way too seriously.
- Replace effortless jumping with fast, effective movements
- Ears pinned back
- The stiffness of the body
If you see any of these behaviors your dog displays when engaging in playful activities, there's a possibility the situation is becoming precarious.
What can cause dogs to play so roughly with other dogs?
There are a wide range of possible explanations for why a dog might repeatedly engage in rough play. For starters, a significant number of young dogs engage in rough play because they can't fully control their emotions. They become so energetic and hyper-stimulated by what's happening that they can't help but lose control. It's possible that your young puppy will outgrow this period as they grow older and develop better impulse control.
One of the reasons why young dogs play rough is because they've been unintentionally socialized to behave this way. Puppies are forced to adapt their behavior to keep pace with their older counterparts when exposed to rough play by more experienced dogs. People are just as responsible for this flawed learning experience in life. Have you ever been involved in a dogfight with your pet on the living room carpet? Wrestling is a lot of fun, but it also teaches your dog how to behave appropriately when playing in an area as unpredictable as the park.
There's also the possibility that your dog is aggressive toward other dogs because he wants to assert his dominance over them. In this specific case, he's not playing. This is a form of passive aggression that will achieve nothing positive in the long run. Before you can expect your dog to stop trying to dominate the other dogs in the pack, you first need to figure out why he feels the need to do so and then address the underlying issue.
How do you teach your dog to play with other dogs?
The best way to ensure a dog develops a healthy sense of play is to socialize them when they're still puppies. Puppies learn which types of play are successful and which aren't. They cry out in pain when they experience it. If one of the children has a problem with something another playmate is doing, the other children will tell them. Dogs need to learn to interact with other dogs and people through trial and error. If your dog has already passed this stage, don't worry. It's not too late to teach an adult dog to interact properly with other dogs.
Start with an attitude of obedience as a foundation
The difference between chasing your dog through the park and being able to use your voice to call him back is the foundation of the obedience you're teaching him. At this stage of the process, you can't directly address his playtime problem. But obedience is a vital component. You must be confident in your dog's training before allowing him to interact with other dogs.
Will he be able to retain his memory even when competing with other dogs for attention? Will he still pay attention to what you have to say if he just wants to attack every dog in sight? If you get a "no," it's appropriate to withdraw from the park so you can focus on developing your dog's obedience. When you and the child can communicate smoothly, it will be much easier to focus on making his play more age-appropriate.
Stop it before it even begins
When you take Buster, Fido, or Fluffy to the park and see them interacting with another dog, it's your responsibility to pay close attention to what's going on. You need to stop physical play before it even starts. To achieve this, you need to have a good understanding of your puppy's body language. It's your responsibility to intervene if you notice him getting angry.
These indicators include stiff body movements, low growls, or intense fixation in some cases. If that doesn't work, you can also consider what your dog isn't doing behaviorally. Play bows are an excellent indicator that everyone is having a good time. Dogs who have a positive interaction during play will usually jump around with their tongues lolling. However, because every dog's play style is unique, you need to figure out what's "normal" for your dog and put a stop to their antics as soon as things get too heated. They need to understand that being overly enthusiastic will result in a time-out.
Unacceptable behavior when dogs play with other dogs
You teach your dog that rough play is acceptable by allowing him to continue it. It's crucial to stop things before they get out of hand; however, you also need to be careful about the circumstances in which your dog is placed.
Stop taking him to the park during peak hours if you already know he'll get overly excited. If you're aware of a particular dog or breed that's likely to make him play rough, do everything possible to avoid that dog or breed (at least until you're more advanced in training). You shouldn't put your dog in a scenario you know he's not adequately prepared for, if at all possible.
Teach a command called “Stay”
Along with "sit," "stay," and "come," "settle" is one of the most useful commands you can teach your dog. When he hears the word "settle," he knows it's time to calm down, which he does:
- Growling at the cat that lives next door.
- Jumping up and down in anticipation of food.
- Ready to show another dog at the park who's the alpha.
Victoria Stilwell, a specialist in dog behavior, recommends starting this cue instruction in a distraction-free area. You can get your dog to stay where you want them by saying "quiet" and luring them with a treat. This can be done by sitting, standing, or lying down on their mat. After they've demonstrated that they'll reliably follow your lure, ask them to wait a moment before giving the cue. If their behavior is anything less than completely calm, you should start over. This way, you can safely let your dog play with other dogs.
With enough practice, you can incorporate interruptions into this pattern. Try placing him first in the yard, then on the sidewalk, and finally in a location where he can interact. Introduce these changes gradually, and only do so after he has demonstrated a consistent willingness to listen to you in the preceding stage. Your long-term goal should be to get your dog's attention, regardless of what's happening around him, and then get him to settle down when you tell him to.
