{"id":1245,"date":"2020-06-23T18:52:48","date_gmt":"2020-06-23T23:52:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dogtopia.com\/houston-galleria\/?p=1245"},"modified":"2020-06-29T10:46:40","modified_gmt":"2020-06-29T15:46:40","slug":"dog-play-styles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dogtopia.com\/houston-galleria\/dog-play-styles\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog Play Styles"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dog Play Styles: Are They Playing or Fighting?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n
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Two jack Russells fight over the stick on the grass in the park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a Houston <\/a>dog boarding<\/a> facility<\/a>, we\u00a0have to understand different dog play styles. We often have queries from pet owners about dog fights and how to handle aggressive behavior. While we report any situations to individual owners, we think it is important for anyone considering dog boarding or dog daycare<\/a> to understand dog play styles.<\/p>\n

Dogs love to play with other dogs, and body-slamming or a game of chase can be a normal type of play. Even some small dogs like a Chiweenie will prefer a fun game with large dogs like a golden retriever from time to time. It’s okay to allow them to enjoy chase or play tug so long as the play behavior remains playful.<\/p>\n

Understanding Dog Play Styles<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When two dogs are wrestling, it can seem too rough or aggressive to pet owners. Dog play styles can include growling, snarling, slamming, and biting each other\u2019s necks. How do you know when to intervene? How do we know whether dogs are playing or fighting?<\/p>\n

This is a common dog play style. Oftentimes, puppies play with their siblings as soon as they open their eyes. From then until they go off to separate homes, they spend the majority of their days wrestling with one another.<\/p>\n

This is a critical time for socialization because it\u2019s when they learn to control themselves. They also learn bite inhibition and manners for dealing with other dogs. It\u2019s natural for puppies to make mistakes as they learn. However, this dog play style is good exercise and socialization.<\/p>\n

As pet owners, it\u2019s important to learn how to tell the difference playing and a real fight between adult dogs.\u00a0Older dogs with dog training experience may enjoy playing in many types of ways. Neck biting might seem dangerous, but you may have nothing to worry about.<\/p>\n

Behaviors That Say \u201cIt\u2019s Okay\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n