There are more dogs in pet homes today than ever before! With this in mind comes the complexity of not only trying to understand but meet our dogs daily needs both mentally (problem solving) and physically (exercise), all while trying to maintain our own work and personal life. Thankfully, in todays society we have more options than ever before to get our dogs outside and running around, one of the most popular being dog parks. But, how do you know if your dog is really enjoying their time with these unfamiliar dogs and people? The answer is to read your dogs body language and behavior ques.
The play bow is the most obvious and typically the easiest one to read. Our dogs will cutely pounce on their front feet and throw their butt in the air. Asking the other dog “Hey, are you ready to run and play?” Along with this invitation will come a back-and-forth chase and wrestling game. Your dog should have a loose and open mouth, be able to chase after their new friend and be chased in return. Don’t be surprised if small amounts of barking occur as this is their form of communicating with each other. This is to signal that things are going well and your dog is having a good time or your dog is getting slightly overwhelmed and may need a break. During this time it’s just as important for you to pick on their pause play signals. This can be demonstrated in a variety of ways such as laying down for a moment, running under a chair or back near the owner, or just stopping to stand still. When this occurs our job is to make sure that they get the break they need. If your dog is the one not resting be sure to interrupt the play if they seem to be getting too pushy.
Alternatively, some dogs are not comfortable being in such a public space with so many different, and sometimes overwhelming stimuli. If your dog is running away and actively avoiding any play initiative such as tucking its tail, licking their lips, yawning, or snapping at approaching dogs, they are looking for an escape. This doesn’t mean the dog park is not an option for you and your dog. What it does mean, is that your dog may benefit from a quieter environment. Try going at slower times of day, playing fetch 1:1 or meeting up with one of your familiar dog friends.
Learning to read and understand our dogs body language will not only help you in this situation, but also in everyday life. When in doubt, remove them from the area and try another day or time.
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