26/06/2026
Play is vital for dogs! It burns energy, builds bonds, and is a great way to rehearse natural behaviours. Plus, it’s so much fun to watch.
But play between dogs should be mutual and fun for both parties. Sometimes it tips — and it’s on us to step in. Here are 7 signs it's time to stop the play for now:
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SIGN 1 — STIFF BODY & STANDING OVER
A dog that suddenly freezes, goes rigid, or looms stiffly over another has stopped playing. That shift in energy can escalate quickly, especially if the other dog hasn't noticed the change and keeps engaging. Step in calmly and wrap things up.
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SIGN 2 — MOUNTING & HU***NG
This is usually about over-excitement, not necessarily sexual behaviour — but most dogs don't appreciate being repeatedly mounted. This can be interpreted as a dominance behaviour (and it can be). If it's happening, arousal levels are too high. Redirect and give both dogs a chance to reset or finish the play for now.
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SIGN 3 — NECK HOLDS & PINNING
Some roughhousing is totally normal. But if one dog is consistently grabbing the other by the neck and pinning them down and won't let up, the play has become one-sided. Interrupt the pattern and make sure both dogs are getting a fair go. Play should be rehearsing being on top and on the bottom - if one always wants to be on top, it will often escalate into a fight or one dominating the other - don’t let that happen.
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SIGN 4 — ONE DOG ALWAYS BEING CHASED
Chase is only fun when it's mutual. If the same dog is always the one running and looking for an exit rather than choosing to re-engage, they're not playing — they're trying to escape. Pause, separate, and reintroduce when both dogs are calm. Take particular care when the one being chased is smaller or more delicate (sighthounds like whippets can be targets because they are so fast that they end up being chased down or broad sided and their fine bones and bodies can’t take that).
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SIGN 5 — WHALE EYE & STRESS SIGNALS
Whites of the eyes showing, lip licking, yawning, ears pinned flat, tail tucked — these are your dog's way of saying they're not okay. Trust what their body is telling you. Remove them from the situation and let them decompress somewhere quiet.
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SIGN 6 — CAN'T SWITCH OFF
A dog that can't stop even when tired or clearly stressed has hit a level of arousal they genuinely can't manage on their own. They need you to make the call for them. Separating them isn't being overprotective — it's exactly what they need.
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SIGN 7 — TOO ROUGH FOR A PUPPY'S BODY 🐶
Puppies often have no idea when to stop. A pup might be absolutely loving rough play with a bigger dog while their developing joints and bones are taking far more than they should. Their enthusiasm isn't a green light. If the play is getting physical and your puppy is on the receiving end, step in — they can't make that call for themselves yet.
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You don't need permission to intervene. Even if you're told "it's okay, she's friendly!" — you know your dog. Trust your gut, and always advocate for them. 💚
Save this post for your next trip to the dog park, and share it with a fellow dog parent who needs it. 🐾
