Proper play is relaxed. The body of your puppy should be loose, bouncy, wiggly with a relaxed wagging tail and a big silly grin. As soon as that body stiffens and the tail tucks or straightens (even if still wagging), an owner needs to interfere. Proper play includes play bows (front end down, back end in the air)!
Is rough play ok for puppies?
Puppies can play rough. Puppy play consists of chasing, pouncing, barking, growling and biting. Many pet owners mistake normal play behavior as aggression or laugh off behavior that is a warning sign for truly aggressive behavior.
What does appropriate dog play look like?
IN APPROPRIATE DOG PLAY YOU WILL SEE: racing around and/or wrestling. turn taking (one dog's on top and then the other's on top) occasional yelps & reprimands. all dogs having a good time.
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