Social Interaction

Social Interaction

Social interaction includes interactions between the dog and a person, the dog with another dog, or a dog with other dogs in a playgroup.

We want to ensure a positive experience in each type of interaction. One way is to encourage play behaviour. Common signs of play behaviour include:

• Eyes squinty or almond shaped
• Body loose and wiggly
• Play bow
• Elbow bends
• Tail neutral (parallel to spine)to low (below spine)
• Long, sweeping tail wag
• Play mouthing or play biting
• Grooming behaviours such as nibbling or play flea-biting

For additional information and a more detailed description of each piece of body language of play, see ASPCA’s Body Language.