There is nothing more fun than watching your own dog romp and play with other dogs. However, do not expect others to notice when things get tense or out of hand. It is your job to make sure that your dog is having healthy interactions with his canine companions.
Pay attention to your dog’s body language though out the play session. Dogs engaged in happy play have bodies that look loose and relaxed. The dogs should take turns being “victim” and “aggressor”. Relaxed dogs will also take short breaks to rest between bouts of play. Interrupt your dog before play can reach a frenzied level. Often when play gets too intense, one dog will begin to feel trapped or threatened. There is often a fine line between rough play and aggressive behavior if left unchecked by the humans.
Is your dog the neighbor hood bully? Does he run right to the most timid dog in the pack and make a display? Does he seem to get more excited when another dog displays fearful behavior or tries to get away from him? Always interrupt this behavior so that it cannot play out. Bully behavior in young dogs can often be eradicated if you do not allow them to practice it!
