The Pet Lady

The Pet Lady Bespoke Pet Services - whatever you require for your pets I can help.

Dog Walking to your pets needs
Pet Sitting in your home
Pet Pop Ins
Fully Insured and DBS Checked

10/08/2026

Bes didnt want to come out and play today so just Atlas got all the sniffs on our walkies xx

Love him x 💙 x

100mph is the only speed this boy has 😂💙
10/08/2026

100mph is the only speed this boy has 😂

💙

Forever happy girlie 💓 ♥️
10/08/2026

Forever happy girlie 💓

♥️

No time for a photo this morning x love this sassy girl 😍 ♥️
10/08/2026

No time for a photo this morning x love this sassy girl 😍

♥️

Monday morning fun 😁 ♥️♥️♥️
10/08/2026

Monday morning fun 😁

♥️♥️♥️

07/08/2026

THE PLAY BOW

Dogs are constantly communicating with their body language and the play bow is one that is very easy to see, but despite its name, it doesn’t always mean “I want to play with you!”

Yes, in general, it means – I’m friendly and I have no aggressive intent, although context and the individual dog always need to be taken into account.

Some time ago, one of my little dogs was attacked by a bigger dog while we were out waking. She has never completely recovered from the trauma and ever since then, immediately play bows if a bigger dog comes anywhere near her.

I believe what she is communicating is – a calming signal to show the other dog she is not a threat, a position in which she can quickly escape if need be and the most likely explanation is to prevent any conflict and reduce any potential tension.

She has absolutely no desire or intention of playing or interacting with the other dog, in fact, she'd much rather avoid the interaction altogether, but she is trying to communicate her non-threatening intent.
This may be a more unusual use of the play bow, but the purpose of this story is that context and the individual dog really does matter.

Some dogs also use play bows to reset an interaction that is getting too much or perhaps to say “I’m sorry!”, in an attempt to reduce social tension or initiate conflict resolution after being too rough.

A prayer bow, which looks very similar to a play bow may indicate discomfort.
A prayer bow is a more lengthened, longer stretch, where a dog extends the front paws further forward and the chest area is very close to or on the ground.

This could indicate abdominal pain, gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating, gas, or it’s simply an effective stretch to loosen up stiff muscles or joints and get ready for movement.

The play bow is often described as a metacommunication signal—a signal that helps explain the meaning of the behaviour around it.

It's almost as if dogs are saying:
"Whatever I'm about to do—or whatever just happened—please understand that my intentions are friendly."

Had this stunning boy for walkies last week x Hes such a superstar 😍 💙
07/08/2026

Had this stunning boy for walkies last week x

Hes such a superstar 😍

💙

Puppies back out doing what they love now the heat has backed off a bit 🙌 Such a comedy double act they never fail to ma...
07/08/2026

Puppies back out doing what they love now the heat has backed off a bit 🙌

Such a comedy double act they never fail to make me laugh 😃

💙 ❤️

Even when its stupidly hot ball is life for this crazy boy 😜 xx 💙
07/08/2026

Even when its stupidly hot ball is life for this crazy boy 😜 xx

💙

Happy boy out exploring in the sunshine xxLove him xx💙
07/08/2026

Happy boy out exploring in the sunshine xx

Love him xx

💙

Address

St Lawrence Bay
Southminster
CM07NT

Opening Hours

Monday 12am - 11:59pm
Tuesday 12am - 11:59pm
Wednesday 12am - 11:59pm
Thursday 12am - 11:59pm
Friday 12am - 11:59pm
Saturday 12am - 11:59pm
Sunday 12am - 11:59pm

Telephone

+447800745706

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