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Vocalizations: I must own the two most dramatic dogs
So my dogs like to “play” in this manner all the time, and it gotten easier to detect when the play switches to fighting, just by the vocalizations. I’m not perfect, but I tried to get a video of their play to let you see what I mean. I also tried not to laugh at the strange sounds they made. Also If someone can explain when they do what they do during the interaction, that would be helpful. I know when they shift, but the reason behinds why they play this way is still a mystery! Enjoy.
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13 Replies
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One of the things I did also notice (may not be easy to see in the video because of how it was cut) is that they offer lots of little breaks in between interactions. They also are very much laying now and I believe very loose in their motions. Though I didn’t catch this in the video, Teddy (tan-white) was also making similar vocalizations at Daisy (white-merle) a few mins before.
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Do you think they “shifted” here at all or do you think this is all play?
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@ruthabigail I loved hearing all their little noise’s:) I think one clue of play is they are laying down, I know I studied it is really rare anything will happen when dogs lay down and play. I love the breaks they take, Is this how they play a lot? What did you think of the interaction? We have a lot of vocal players in my daycare. Super cute pups:)
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I think it was all play! There didn’t seem to be any fighting going on, though I think sometime Teddy (tan dog), seems to have enough but then when Daisy (white-Merle) goes to play again he plays too!
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@ruthabigailparadisepaws
Yep! I was a little confused in thinking you may have thought they “shifted” into a fight and wanted to know where you thought that was! Thanks for clarifying that you know this was all play!
So sweet!
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@ruthabigail : awe! Adorable cute vocalizing. I simply love dog vocalizations. I always thought, it’s cool that they can say and tell us so many things. (Used to own a VERY vocal Beagle…). Thanks for sharing your sweet pups, Ruth!
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They are very cute and cuddly!
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Thank you! They LOVE to cuddle anyone and everyone!
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@ruthabigail These two are adorable. It seems to me this is all play, evidenced by the loose body language, the bite inhibition (jaw-sparring is a favorite bitey play game) and the mutual breaks. The vocalizations, even the sharp little barks, can all be part of play (PLAY MORE NOW! is one possible interpretation of that little frustrated bark). Were you noticing other actions that concerned you?
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Well often when they play, especially like this (especially at Night) they tend to “switch” to being very ruff with running on or pinning the other. Often, I will also see them getting very aroused. My male dog will then sometimes if it goes Too far will even mount!
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@ruthabigailparadisepaws – those are great extra details, and all of those behaviors can be part of play. Some dogs are very physical when playing, very noisy, very aroused in all the ways. 🙂 Some dogs consider all that physicality to be very rude, especially the humping, but other dogs, especially young juveniles who have not met many older dogs to show them what behaviors are rude, will play that way.
The key is to check and see what the OTHER dog thinks of the “rude” behavior. Gently guide the “rude” dog away a step or two (without saying anything) and observe the other dog. Does she shake off and leave? Then the interaction was too much and she was not enjoying it. Does she turn and invite the restrained dog to play some more? Then the interaction was okay and she’s ready for more.
Most of the time, the dogs who are staying relatively loose in their bodies, taking breaks and arcing their bodies are simply playing, no matter how terrible it may look or sound. When you get concerned, it’s always okay to interrupt them gently (clapping your hands and calling them for cookies is nice) and help them to make good decisions. 🙂
Does that help?
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Yes, that helps tremendously! Thank you!!
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@ruthabigailparadisepaws You are very welcome; always feel free to post more video with questions like this. It makes for a lovely learning opportunity for the whole community. And, your dogs are super-cute! 🙂
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