Capable Canine Tips Tips Archive   Can my dog play with yours? We all want our dogs to be able to get along with other dogs. Many people would like to take their dogs to dog parks, and watch them socialize with their own species. Others would just like their dogs to be civil with other dogs. But all dogs do not like all other dogs, and we as owners need to be aware of this, and to plan for it. We take puppies from their moms at the age of 8 weeks for one reason - to bond with humans and learn to live in our society. Why would we then throw that same dog back into the canine mix, with a bunch of dogs he doesn't know, and who might have some undesirable social skills? Not necessarily a good idea. On the other hand, dogs should learn how to interact with other dogs - so how do you teach them? Most puppies want to meet other dogs, and to play with them. Some dogs - in particular some breeds of dogs - will continue to love anyone throughout their lives. However, that's not true of all dogs. As dogs get older, they become more discriminating about their friends, just as humans do. This begins to happen at social maturity - anytime after 2yrs or so. Some adult dogs do not like any strange dogs at all. Dogs are community-oriented animals - as they mature, they usually interact primarily with their social group and they often see other dogs as a potential threat. Many would like a slow introduction, and some don't want any new relationships. The process of canine greeting is quite complex. Dogs communicate primarily with their bodies. Most often, left with their canine mom, they would learn how to approach strange dogs with respect. Often our dogs lack those   skills, because they weren't exposed to knowledgeable adult dogs at the right time. As a result, some dogs greet other dogs by racing towards them, possibly leaping all over them, or they bark and act afraid. It's our job to protect our dogs from inappropriate play behavior - and to help teach them who is safe and who is not. Recognizing play can be difficult at times. Generally speaking, dogs who are playing change their "roles" quite often, and their play is fairly jerky, with short freezes. One dog might be on tip of another, and then, the second dog is on top. One dog might shape his attitude towards other dogs forever. If he is being bullied at a dog park, you should leave immediately. If he begins to BE A BULLY jumping on top of other dogs, or chasing them, he should only play with dogs who can handle rough play. If you think your dog is uncomfortable, frightened or acting inappropriately, take action. Think of yourself as a parent rather than an onlooker, manage the environment as much as you can. Call your dog back to you when he is distracted, or being a bully - practicing a reliable recall. Praise - then release your dog to go play with his canine friends. Instigate play (retrieve or tug) between you and your canine, than release him back to his canine buds. Take an obedience course. Training doesn't limit your dog. Training frees your dog. Free to walk with you, ride with you, play with you, other dogs, free to learn and run!!! An untrained dog is free to sit in the backyard where he will only learn more unacceptable behaviors. Dogs learn 24/7 why not teach him the behaviors you desire?