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Other reasons for the Play Bow…
…WOW!
I’m blown away that it could mean anything other than an invitation for play. But, I just got a weekly tip in my email today from Nordic Education Centers for Dog Trainers. In it, the founder Lisbeth Borg de Waard says:
”You’ve probably seen your dog lower their front end with their tail wagging high—it looks playful and fun, right? But did you know the play bow is more than an invitation to play? It’s also a powerful way for dogs to signal trust, diffuse tension, and even reset interactions during play.”
She also shared a short video and in it, she mentions that Turid Rugaas now says that a play bow not only is an invitation to START play, but also, a request to STOP play! Yes, really!!! They share a bit about this. If I could figure out how to share that video from an email, I would. Not tech savvy enough for that, I fear!
Sorry if this is not news to you guys, but it was fascinating to me, as they mention, it’s important to watch the interactions between dogs to determine the context of the play bow. Sometimes, both dogs will begin play bowing at each other to calm each other down and diffuse the situation.
DOGS ARE SOOOO COOL!!!????
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10 Replies
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Very cool indeed, @bernerlabreclectus ! Context is so important.
It never gets old watching dogs interacting together. ????
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@virginiad I agree, totally! Dogs have a unique language, if only we all would learn to listen!
I personally think the play bow is fascinating. I love watching two dogs bowing at each other. Or having a dog bow to me! I never tire of it. I love it in giant and toy breeds, too.????
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I had my 11 yr old GS and 3 yr old Cairn Terrier mix on an off-leash walk today through the woods. It’s so cool how they run ahead and turn to check -in with me and each other. I paused to get my bearings and realized the little one was quite far away. I sighed . My GS immediately started barking, ran towards the little one, and herded him back towards me. It was so cool to witness because I feared they might both take off in the opposite direction. Instead, they both raced back towards me for a jackpot of treats! I’m fascinated by their communications and learning so much more from observing them.
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Wowza, @lis ! What a treat to have been able to witness that. ????
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Good dog! Love this anecdote, @lis
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By the way, I have tried to upload a cute photo of a dog play bowing with me. But, I’m guessing the DD platform is changing to the new community and it won’t allow me to attach a photo! Argh. So frustrated!!’ It’s such a lovely photo of a Samoyed with a stick in his mouth, bowing deeply.
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Hopefully whatever glitch is preventing upload will be remedied soon — would love to see that pic!
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Yes, @bernerlabreclectus please try again! You likely found us in the midst of the changeover – check out our new url! – and please try again to upload your photo. Send me a note if you have any issues.
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I still could not do an upload from my iphone. Finally, I was able to do it from my computer. Wow, technology HATES me.
This is a young Sammy named Cirrus, whom I walked years ago. He LOVED sticks and would try to engage me in play, while walking him. Ha ha. Hope you like.
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What a GORGEOUS creature!
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