There are not many things more exciting than bringing a cute puppy into your home. They are an extension of the family and your best friend. But sometimes, it can be a bit overwhelming for first-time parents. Understanding puppy behavior can be complex.
When it comes to normal play, there is a wide range of acceptable and not. Knowing when and how to intervene is critical for the safety of yourself, your dog, and other dogs. A great person to consider seeking advice from is a vet. If you are looking for a great recommendation, Bond Vet, a veterinary clinic in Chestnut Hill, MA is stellar.
What Does a Normal Puppy Play Look Like?
Puppies learn important developmental skills in their early months. Just like babies, having experiences is important in order to learn and self-correct. Playing can help teach bite inhibition as well as evaluate a pup’s physical condition and stamina.
Sometimes, new parents may assume that play is too rough or that their puppy is getting over-stimulated. This may be true in some situations, but it’s important to let it be a part of the learning process.
Here are some signs that all things are well with puppies.
- They are giving playbows to each other. When pups lower their front legs to the ground and leave their butt in the air, it’s a signal to the others saying. “Let’s play!”
- Mouthiness and gentle biting are OK. When a puppy bites too hard, a dog will let out a yelp. When the puppy lets go, this means they understand it’s too rough.
- Exaggerated movements and bouncing all over the place is a good sign. A wiggly butt is a happy one. Stiff body language is usually a sign that the dog is uncomfortable.
- If the dogs are taking turns who is the dominant dog, this is also a good sign of fair play.
But there are some other signs to look out for that may indicate it’s too rough. Most people mistake growling or barking as aggressive when, actually, this is also play. It’s when it starts to pick up that we need to take a pause.
What To Take a Second Look At
There are a few things to pay closer attention to when it comes to pups roughhousing. Usually, it’s just an escalation of behaviors that start to cross the line.
- Yelping and high-pitched startles are usually signs of discomfort. If a puppy doesn’t back off after this, it’s time to break it up.
- Suppose your pup is being dominated or dominating the whole time, It’s time to give them a break.
- Low grumbles that result in stiff body language or backing up. Raised cat=like posture means protective.
It’s not the end of the world if any of these signs show up in play. Sometimes you may need to acclimate your puppy to a certain setting of dogs, or it may be a particular dog setting them off. There are ways to socialize your pup to teach them to be the perfect playmate.
Learning Good Social Cues
If you want to teach your puppy manners, it is important to correct them in real time. If you notice something getting out of control, it’s time for a break. A great way to teach your pup manners is to socialize them by bringing them around trusted adult dogs.
It’s also great to bring them to a puppy play care group where they get to socialize and learn basic obedience. This can be a great avenue as it’s less intimidating for younger puppies who may be shy about daycare.
Dog parks can be a great avenue, but just keep in mind that these dogs may not be vaccinated and they may not be properly trained. Some dogs bully puppies at a certain age because they haven’t been taught manners themselves.
