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04/01/2025
If you've ever seen a dog lower it's body & stare intently at another dog it can look a lot like the stalking posture you see in animals hunting prey.
Depending on the breed of dog, this can be a little unsettling it you don't understand that this is also a normal way that dogs play with friends.
(See Maxie playing the role of "stalker" in the 1st picture)
So how can we know if it's harmless play or something we should intervene in?
✅Dogs are friends & familiar with each other's play styles, like Maxie & Otis will often self govern, easily reading each other's body language to determine if they both feel like playing.
✅The dog playing the role of "prey" will be visually engaged & happily anticipating the playful ambush. (See Otis playing the role of prey in the 1st picture)
✅The ambush triggers a game of chase, wrestling, & play biting.
✅Their body movements are loose & bouncy, & they will often take turns being "prey". (Otis is now the chaser in the last picture)
❌Where it gets tricky is when dogs don't know each other well.
❌Any signs of discomfort, such as vigilance, worry, avoidance, or even distraction (looking or walking away, sniffing the ground, etc) given by the "stalkee" is an indication that they don't want to play & we need to intervene... even if it we are absolutely certain that the "stalker" is harmless.
It should be noted that unless the dogs live together and have a proven relationship, this should never be allowed w a larger dog and a small dog.
