Body language subtle changes
A fun video for observation purposes only. We often miss so much and we need to train ourselves to look for changes.
This is a couple of clips taken of my senior boy, waiting to pounce on his toy.
Can you spot any changes in the video clips?
Don't fall for gimmicks, quick fixes or false promises like the video below. We have all seen the adverts offering a quck fix or a shortcut.
First of all, we are not in the business of "fixing" dogs. Also, unwanted dog behaviour does not happen in a vacuum. It isn't just about the dog's behaviour, it is often about recognising the dog's emotional experience, how our actions and behaviours impact them, the dog's motivations, their environment and much more.
Quick fixes often involve harmful or aversive techniques.
Each dog is an individual and there is no universal method that works for every dog. Changing a dogs unwanted behaviour ethically often involves an holistic approach.
Don't get drawn into believing empty promises and false headlines - do your research before employing a dog trainer or behaviourist!
Red flag or green flag play?
Red flag play?
Green flag play?
How do you know - what do you see?
Some great comments and observations of body language and some excellent comments about context, which is so important rather than making a snap judgement. I'll now add some context. Does this change your initial thoughts?
CONTEXT
These dogs live together. The brindle dog at the back is 11 and male, the smaller black one at the front is 3 and female. The smaller dog had been lying on the little blue bed. When the larger dog came in, the smaller black dog grabbed the rope toy.
Another clip of the GSD and Staffordshire Bull Terrier playing. I have slowed the video down to make it easier to see so no sound in this one.
Would YOU interrupt or let it play out?
How do we know when to interrupt dog play? What should we look for? In general (this is not a definitive list and will depend on the individual dogs)
🚩body slamming
🚩focussed bites (some breeds will mouth but if biting is taking place, the play should be ended)
🚩play is one sided all of the time – unbalanced chasing
🚩muzzle punching
🚩increased pilo erection (raised hackles
🚩flattened ears or avoidance in one of the dogs
🚩biting or grabbing body parts
🚩barking at the other dog, especially in their faces
🚩becoming tense, stiff, or showing signs of fear (or aggression)
🚩closed mouth, curled lip, low warning growl (some dogs growl when playing but if accompanied by a closed mouth or retracted lips, interrupt now)
🚩wrestling or chasing each other for a prolonged time - without changing to another activity
🚩increased over arousal and escalation - play becomes faster or more intense
Did anyone notice the pilo erection at the base of the staffies tail? Much more physical contact is made in this clip and the interaction is much more intense. I called them away and ended play.
If you are unsure, call your dog away – it is better to call them away and interrupt play unnecessarily than leave it until there is a problem!
What should we be looking for when dogs play together? How do we know if they are enjoying it?
Here is a short video clip of Luna, our newly adopted girl and Bonnie. There is a big difference in size between them.
Look for
↘️Pauses between play - activity shift
↘️Taking it in turns to chase and be chased - role reversal
↘️Self handicapping - Luna makes herself small
↘️Open mouth "play face"
↘️Bouncy ineffective movements
↘️Mirroring
Update on little Willow
Oh my goodness, Willow is thriving at A17 boarding kennels and has already found a new best friend! Thank you Dave and Toby for taking such great care of her.
If you're interested in adopting Willow, contact GSDWF today! https://www.gsdwelfarefund.co.uk/dogsforrehoming
#AdoptDontShop #RescueDog #bestfriendsforever
