VIDEO: What Is Good Play?

Our blog posts “VIDEO: Change the Dog Toy, Change the Dog Play” and “VIDEO: Inappropriate Play – What Is The Certified Dog Trainer’s Responsibility?” discuss some aspects of good and inappropriate play. Recognizing appropriate play is an important skill certified professional trainers should develop and maintain. The best methods? Practice! It’s also important to be able to pinpoint and vocalize very specific behaviors that are appropriate. like and to help clients to understand

What do you see?

Here are some points indicating that this play session was appropriate:

1. Play is reciprocal. 

Both dogs are engaged in play. Neither is retreating into closed space or hiding. The Doodle is always chased, but when there is a pause the Doodle immediately turns around and re-engages the Black Lab.

2. Breaks.

Both dogs take very brief breaks from their play. These mini-breaks are brief moments of non-motion.

3. Body Language.

The Black Lab is loose and curvy, which is evidence that she is comfortable and relaxed. The Doodle is a little stiffer and quicker with her movement, evidencing slightly less comfort, but interested in engaging with the Lab.

4. Type of Play.

Primarily chase. The Doodle entices the lab to chase, but continues to check back in and re-engage the Lab rather than running flat out. The Lab appears comfortable following the Doodle’s lead on play style.

What do you see?

A few points:

1. Play is reciprocal. 

Both dogs are engaged in play. Neither is retreating into closed space or hiding. Each dog elicits play at some point in the clip.

2. Breaks.

Both dogs take very brief breaks from their play, as well as a few lengthier breaks. At one point, the smaller Lab mix lies down.

3. Body Language.

Lots of open mouths while wrestling, but not biting down. Facial muscles are relaxed. Both dogs bow or half-bow frequently and are relatively loose with their bodies – no rigid, tall stances.

4. Type of Play.

Primarily wrestling, with both dogs actively soliciting wrestling as a play form.

Remember, interpreting play is contextual. Observing only 1 dog or observing a particular behavior in isolation from the preceding and following behaviors can be misleading. Look at the whole picture. Practice by observing group play often, videoing when you have the opportunity. Finally, help your clients to understand what constitutes appropriate play by describing specific desirable behaviors. Improving your ability to pinpoint and describe to your clients what constitutes good play is another way to make yourself a great dog training resource for your clients.