Great example of body language that politely says don’t mount me!
I’d say the majority of dogs don’t love being mounted. Some say no in an over the top manner, sometimes causing harm, while others are more subtle with their no thanks.
Some growl at the other dog to stop. Perfectly, normal, please don’t punish your dog for growling! It’s their right to say no and often they do so with a growl. If you punish a growl, they may go for a direct bite instead!!!
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While the idea of a dog costume party, parade or big scale get together may sound fun to you, it likely isn’t fun for your dog.
The majority of dogs don’t like overcrowded places with loads of strangers, other dogs/animals and loud noise. Especially, if they are restrained on a lead with no opportunity to opt out.
Many dogs dislike costumes unless you have properly conditioned them to like wearing them. Typically, this conditioning begins in early puppyhood.
These large scale dog themed forced get togethers are a hard pass for me and my dogs!
Become an expert at reading your dog’s body language. It’s an essential part of being a dog guardian and understanding your dog.
Reach out if you aren’t sure. We offer dog body language classes with live dogs in a small group setting, off lead, and in a large outdoor space.
Dogs think about safe vs dangerous. When dogs interact with each other they are constantly giving signals to other dogs.
Here the doodle is telling the other dog he isn’t a threat to him by laying down and leaning back.
It’s a sweet exchange and they continue to play after.
At our playgroups guardians learn about dog body language and play. It’s educational for the humans and beneficial for the dogs!
I love the 123 game created by Leslie McDevitt!
It adds predictability for nervous or anxious dogs.
It’s another tool in my tool box when working with reactive dogs.
It’s also useful for walking on a loose lead and even for recall!
Start training without a trigger present!
If you need help reach out. I specialize in reactivity and take these cases in person in Bermuda.
Three is not an ideal number for group dog play. It’s like a third wheel. We have a minimum of 4 puppies, maximum of 6.
There was another puppy in this group but he was off camera.
With puppies it’s important to match them well, heavily monitored, look at consent, take breaks, and note overwhelm them. 6 is our maximum number for a young puppy playgroup.
It’s good to have multiple hands on deck too!
Ask me any questions about dog play in the comments!
Bronco did so well there to come away when called. Of course I rewarded it! He was gentle too!
Dog trying to solicit play in a polite manner.
Positive social interactions are important for dogs, especially puppies and adolescent dogs.
The Sheltie is doing a nice job at asking to play but he got no for an answer.
If you want to learn more about dog play please reach out.
#bermudadogs #dogplaygroup #dogplaydate #dogbodylanguage #dogbodylanguage101 #puppysocial
Growling is common during tug games. Some dogs sound downright scary when playing this! But it doesn’t need to be interrupted unless your dog guards toys or objects and you are worried that a fight might break out over the item.
Does your dog play tug with other dogs? Lots of play growling?
Dogs tug to mimic a part of life - feeding. Tug is a part of pulling apart prey to then eat. It’s normal behavior and not aggressive. Playing tug does not make dogs aggressive either, that is a myth.
Tug away! Great energy burner and enriching.
Give it a like and share!
An intact male thinking about mounting but he contains himself.
Smart choice because mounting is a risk taking behavior. The dog being mounted may say F off with force!
We gently interrupt mounting at our playgroups. It’s great when the dog switches gears himself and you don’t need to interrupt!
We also interrupt it because more often than not the dog being mounted doesn’t enjoy it. Some get quite upset or scared!
Go Snoop! No doggy style today. 😆
Ps. Mounting is never about dominance!
#stanleyparkbermuda #dogmount #doghumping #dominancetheoryisdead #dogplay #dogsplay #dogbodylanguage
The dominance theory was debunked ages ago, anyone still using it is not someone you want to take advice from because it indicates they aren’t qualified.
This word is still heavily used by dog parents so education on this topic is still needed!
Mounting, sitting on your lap, sitting on furniture, walking ahead of you, pulling on lead, going through doorways first, none of this indicates dominance. What other dominance myths can you think of?? Comment below.
This Shetland sheepdog has really come out of his shell. He needed a barrier for the first few classes and we used treats to build positive associations. We gave him breaks when he needed it.
Now he can interact without a barrier, engages, and bounces back after something that may be a little scary.
So proud of this little guy!
Bring me all the shy puppies and I’ll help them come out of their shell and build resilience.
Our groups are kept small to avoid overwhelming the puppies. We closely monitor, reward what we like and gently interrupt what we don’t. This builds solid play skills and promotes healthy play. We take breaks too so they don’t get exhausted and we keep the session short!
Puppies start our groups before 16 weeks old! The sooner the better.
Stanley Park is open this long weekend! Please book on our website. Your dog will be glad you did!
If you need a last min gift for dad, we've got you covered! You can purchase gift certificates on our website. Perfect for the dog lover dad!
https://doggonegoodbermuda.com/stanley-park/
Dogs mount for a few different reasons but it is never about dominance or some hierarchy.
This is an example of mounting that triggered by scent.
It can also be experimental or fun, a rehearsal of reproductive behavior, due to anxiety (displacement behavior), or used as a strategy to get something (like a toy or treat). It needs to be interrupted if the dog on the bottom is stressed or if the mounter is stressed. In this video it is harmless and easily interrupted.
Some dogs are excessive about it and quite intense with pinning and gripping. I’d interrupt it. It’s also a risk taking behavior as many dogs won’t tolerate it.
This video is a good example of when mounting isn’t a big deal.
What’s your thought? Ask me below.
Why would a puppy be fearful like this?
Puppies are not clean slates.
Genetics is often at play. Likely one or both of her parents are fearful.
Lack of early puppy socialization is a leading cause of fear and aggression in dogs. We need to start age appropriate socialization before 12 weeks old. Isolation during adolescence (6 months -1.5/2 years old) could also be devastating on a dog’s behavior.
Stress during pregnancy and early environment can play a role too. In addition bad experience.
Socialization should be of quality. Not overwhelming or exhausting. It should be at the puppy’s pace. Consider consent. Use loads of treats!
Reach out. I love working with fearful dogs and specialize in this.
