TO PLAY AND HOW TO PLAY…                       that’s a good question .

  We all like to play, tease and rough house with our adult dogs and puppies.  But what is it that we are actually doing? Are we really “playing” or are we creating dominating,fearful or aggressive behaviors?

 SOME behavior problems such as jumping ,biting, nipping, possessiveness  and resource guarding are created by rough play weather it be from you or learned from playing to roughly with other dogs.  

  When you play roughly with your dog you are encouraging unwanted behaviors as in the dogs mind, ‘grabbing your pant leg as you turn and walk away” or “jumping up to grab your sleeve” has now become a game and tug-o-war isn’t over until the dog says so.

  If you are going to play roughly with your dog, you as the owners must understand the “rule of play” :YOU start and stop all play.

  No matter if it is rough petting, chase, tug-o-war or fetch. YOU are always the one in charge. If you see that the dog is getting to rough, stop the play. Continuing will increase the dogs drive and calming them down will be that much more difficult. By stopping, you are also creating a boundary teaching the dog that this is the line NOT to cross. Play this way, we keep playing, cross this line, play stops!  

  Chase:  “ if it doesn’t run, it’s isn’t fun” You must always role reverse. Do not  allow the dog always chase you. By doing so, this will teach him or her how to reinforce their “prey” drive. Now it’s no longer a game, but rather an instinct for survival. Allow your  dog to chase you for a few steps then  stop, turn, and now start chasing him. This will help him understand that it’s “just a game” .Body language is very important during this type of play. Keep your body low and relaxed and use “ pouncing  movements” forward or backwards. This is natural to them and something they will not take as a threat or feel defensive.

  Tug-O-War or Fetch: Teach your dog or pup to “release” “let go” or “give” the toy or object.  NEVER pull anything out of a dog's mouth. This type of pulling action now becomes a challenge and will only encourage your dog to fight with you. By not teaching the dog a release command and allowing them to have the item will instill confident “alpha” mentality, therefore creating  the dog in his or her mind to become possessive and possibly aggressive /dominate towards you.

  Rough petting:  By roughly petting your dog you are encouraging them to bite or nip as dogs  routinely bite each other while playing. It’s your job to teach the dog the boundaries. Just how aggressive can this play be. If you insist on rough petting, teach your dog “tolerance” .


As alpha you should be able to play anyway within reason . As a subordinate they must never resist or challenge, just simply follow your lead.