Ever wonder why some dogs seem to instantly hit it off at the dog park, while others just don’t seem to “get” each other? Just like us, dogs have different personalities and preferences when it comes to play. Understanding your dog’s play style can be key to helping them build healthy relationships with other canine companions.
There are four main play styles in dogs: soft and dainty, push and pull, rough and rowdy, and seek and destroy. “Soft and dainty” players prefer gentle interactions, while “push and pull” players enjoy a good game of tag. “Rough and rowdy” players love to wrestle and body slam, and “seek and destroy” are thriving with chase and grappling.
While some dogs may exhibit a mix of styles, most tend to have a dominant preference.
Knowing your dog’s play style can help you choose suitable playmates and avoid potential conflicts. For example, pairing a “soft and dainty” player with a “rough and rowdy” player might lead to one dog feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. Ideally, dogs should be able to adapt their play style to match their partner, but many dogs, especially those who are under-socialized, may struggle with this.
Want to learn more about dog play styles and how to help your dog socialize effectively? Our public training classes provide a safe and supervised environment for dogs to interact and play, with guidance from our experienced behavior team. We can help you identify your dog’s play style, teach them appropriate play etiquette, and provide strategies for building positive social experiences.
Click the link below to learn more about our upcoming classes and how we can help your dog develop healthy and fulfilling relationships with other dogs.
Please reach out with any questions regarding our Play Groups or Training Classes: training@longmonthumane.org or 303-772-1232 x270