01/29/2026
This is NOT what playing looks like ⚠️
Many people look at this scene and think “it’s just a couple dogs playing rough”👹and many years ago before I studied dog psychology and communication for a living I would’ve probably thought the same thing. After all, neither of them are yelping or acting hurt, they keep engaging, and none of them are actually biting the other or causing pain right?
We as people often are looking for these big obvious verbal signs or exaggerated physical responses but are missing the subtle cues and words painted from their expressions. 🎨
Dogs are nonverbal communicators and ”speak” almost exclusively through their body language and gestures. So as dog owners it’s important we learn their language, to properly understand them.
What you see here is NOT 2 dogs having fun. One dog is overly aroused and trying to assert dominance over the other, while the other is desperately trying to avoid conflict without appearing weak and becoming a punching bag. 🥊
Dogs often try to establish hierarchy over others, especially when in a group dynamic. The whole “dominance theory has been debunked” argument is regularly laid to rest when you observe dogs behaving in this manner. If you see your dog engaging in a similar manner as either of these dogs, calmly remove them from the situation. Either inappropriate and dominant behaviors will be inadvertently encouraged and become stronger, or your dogs confidence can be shot and they can develop strong anxious or aggressive behaviors 😥
Appropriate play involves loose body language, slow relaxed tail wags, play bows, and a general respect for personal space and boundaries. 😌 Start paying attention to these subtle cues and you will see your dog in a whole new light💡
