Meeting Other Dogs

Playing with other dogs is immensely important for our dogs. And every dog lover looks on with delight when the dogs run after each other, scuffle, bark, and hunt. Then our four-legged friends are doing really well. And above all: After that, they are really exhausted – and a wild game with dog friends is better than a two-hour walk. Unfortunately, we often misjudge the situation of gaming. Because the game isn’t just about romping around, it’s also about learning! And what the dogs then learn is not always right.

The Danger of Bullying

What at first glance looks like a game between dogs can be anything but funny. Because if a dog is repeatedly jostled, subdued, pinched, and chased by one or more others, then it does not learn healthy social behavior, it only learns

• that other dogs pose a danger to him. This can lead to him feeling increasingly uncomfortable around other dogs. And he shows that through further insecurity and fear – which in turn makes him a popular “victim”. He will experience more and more often that dog encounters mean stress for him.
• that other dogs only let go of him when he defends himself properly. If the dog’s subtle signals to stop are not understood by the other person, then this means that it has to be clearer. He has to threaten harder, push back harder or pinch harder. The bullied learns to react more and more aggressively – and the supposed game becomes serious.

“They’ll Sort That Out Among Themselves…”

Surely you know this saying and maybe you yourself are of the opinion that one should not interfere in dog fights at all. But we determine the whole life of our dog. We say what he can eat when he can pee, whether he can reproduce, what he should learn – and suddenly we think that we should let nature run its course and the dogs should act on their own responsibility? We expect trust and obedience from our dogs, but suddenly give up control and responsibility at such a moment? That makes no sense.

An example: Dogs should be able to communicate and play with each other and it can sometimes be rough. But if a bitch has clearly dismissed an impertinent male dog ten times, what option does she have if the other one just doesn’t react appropriately? It now has to be made too clear – and in doing so it hurts the other. And what do you think, which dog is then considered to have behavioral problems? The male who doesn’t know his limits or the bitch who had to be so clear?

In such a situation, the stronger one has learned the joy of bullying and that one can assert oneself with ruthlessness. The loser has to learn that playing with peers can mean pain, and this may result in him behaving aggressively. This makes healthy contact with conspecifics impossible for both dogs.

If the dog owners would intervene in time in such a case,

• could the male dog learn that his “boss” does not tolerate his behavior,
• and the bitch would know that she, in turn, can rely on her owner and that she doesn’t have to go to extremes to be left alone.

This is How You Can Tell if Dogs are Playing With Each Other

Hunting games are particularly popular with dogs: they run side by side, bump into each other, pinch, and throw one to the ground.

You can tell whether the wild hunt is a game by the following points:

• The roles are swapped over and over again. Everyone runs away, everyone follows the other. Even in a fight, everyone is the loser.
• There are breaks in between. If one of the dogs is exhausted, he will lie down for a while while the other leaves him alone. After a minute or two we continue.
• There are new game prompts throughout the game. This is usually done by the so-called front body low position.

Attention: When playing, especially when hunting, the dog’s body releases a lot of adrenaline – similar to a “real” hunt. This can mean that some dogs can hardly control their behavior. If you are so hyped up, only a short break will help.

Intervene if There is Bullying

Bullying victims are often dogs that are strangers to a group, for example: “Everyone on the new ones” is the motto. Even older, sick, or simply socially insecure or anxious dogs are quickly chosen as victims.

Keep observing the situation and make sure all the dogs are enjoying the game. It doesn’t matter whether your dog is the perpetrator or the victim – in both cases, you should intervene:

• During the game, make sure that it is still the same.
• Does a dog’s body language show that it is uncomfortable: crouched, tail tucked, squeaking, fleeing, biting?
• If your dog seeks protection from you, then help him. Stand in front of him and definitely face the other.
• If the others don’t let him in your direction, go to him and get him out of the situation.
• If your dog is the bully, give him time off. Bring him over and don’t let him play again until you feel his adrenaline drain a bit. Then you send him back to the game.
• If he then overdoes it again, the game is over.

Dogs are allowed to fight, they are also allowed to clearly tell others what they think, and it is also natural that there are always short moments of argument. You don’t have to intervene here if you have the feeling that the situation is not becoming dangerous.

Bullying, on the other hand, is the persistent disregard of an individual’s communication signals. Don’t let the other dog owners fool you. When you stop a game that’s spiraling out of control, you’re neither overprotective nor a spoilsport. Rather, they show that you have the situation under control – and are therefore also in the eyes of your dog, whether bully or victim, a good pack leader.

Encountering other dogs – everything under control

• Pay attention to dog games.
• Check if all dogs look happy.
• Prevent bullying, including constant riding up, etc.
• Get victims or perpetrators out of the group.
• Do not allow another game until the dogs have calmed down.