The function of play in dogs is still a fascinating mystery that animal behaviorists are trying to solve.
One prominent theory suggests that play, which often mimics predator-prey dynamics, serves as practice for critical survival skills like hunting and territory defense.
This makes sense as play often involves mock fights, chases, and other behaviors that would be useful in these contexts.
This playful behavior has been found to have reciprocal effects on the dog’s brain’s size, their sociality, and their behavioral flexibility. This means engaging in lots of play can make a dog more sociable, intelligent, and adaptable.
Prominent animal behaviorist Marc Bekoff argues that social play also teaches dogs about fairness and cooperation. Through play, dogs learn to take turns, observe rules, and respect boundaries, much like children playing a game. Thus, play serves not just as physical exercise, but also an interactive classroom for young dogs to acquire important social skills.
Correlation Between Play, Brain Size, and Behaviour in Animals
Interestingly, this behavior’s effects are not just limited to the individual’s development but also affect the species’ evolution.
Studies have found a positive correlation between brain size and behavioral complexity and learned behavior, which means creatures with larger brains tend to exhibit more complex behaviors and have higher learning capacity. Evidence for this correlation is visible in animals that heavily engage in play.
These animals tend to have a larger and more complex neocortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher order brain functions like sensory perception, cognition, generation of motor commands, and spatial reasoning.
Furthermore, animals that exhibit complex behavior also display longer juvenile phases dominated by play.
This extended period of development gives these animals more time to learn, practice, and perfect a wide variety of skills and behaviors through play, benefitting them in their adult lives. Therefore, it’s clear to see that play is not just a side effect or frivolous activity but carries significant benefits for both the individual animal and the evolution of its species.
Researchers and Their Findings on Human-Dog Play Interactions
| Researcher(s) | Year | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Bauer | 2006 | Contribution of mirror neurons to human empathy for playing dogs |
| Reichholf | 2009 | Humans’ neurological equipment to empathize with animals |
| Feddersen-Petersen | 2001 | Comparison of play in dogs raised with humans vs. other dogs |
| Meermann | 2009 | Identification of common human-dog games |
| Gansloßer | 2007 | High-risk play elements in long-standing human-dog relationships |
| Friederike Range | 2009 | Dogs’ attention to humans over other dogs |
| Rooney and Bradshaw | 2001 | Effective human actions to invite dogs to play |
| Bekoff and Horowitz | 2007 | Importance of clear play signals and balanced participation |
| Bradshaw and Rooney | 2003 | Impact of physical play games on human-dog relationships |
| Rooney et al. | 2000 | Play frequency in multi-dog vs. single-dog households |
| Odendaal & Meintjes | 2003 | Benefits of positive social interactions in play |
| Nagasawa et al. | 2009 | Increase of well-being substances during human-dog play interactions |
- Play is suggested to aid cognitive development, according to Siviy (1998).
- Brain structures like the amygdala and cerebellum impact play behavior.
- Chasing games improve behavioral flexibility in canines.
- Sociality levels in canids influence their play frequency and type.
- Foxes, jackals, and coyotes play less than wolves and domestic dogs.
- Wolves and dogs exhibit more social play compared to solitary play.
- Play fighting in coyotes happens post-dominance establishment, opposite in dogs and wolves.
- Play solicitation is more effective among social canids like dogs and wolves.
- Canid species display varying play behaviors, as noted by Bekoff (1974).
- Play equips animals with skills for adapting to changes, as per Fagen (1981).
- Play induces positive emotions and is linked to fitness benefits (Panksepp 1978).
Understanding the Benefit of Play in Cognitive Development
Play behaviors aren’t random – they’re influenced by several factors, the most notable being the size of certain parts of the brain, sociality levels and different species characteristics.
The amygdala and cerebellum, two parts of the brain that are involved in emotional responses and motor control, greatly influence play behaviors.
The size of these two can determine how often and intensely an animal plays, how they play, and who they choose to play with. There’s also a clear link between sociality levels and play behaviors, as noted by different studies.
More sociable canids like wolves and dogs engage in regular social play, while less sociable ones like foxes, jackals, and coyotes tend to play less frequently.
Comparing Play Behaviors in Different Canid Species
There are distinct differences in play behaviors among different canid species, as noted by Bekoff in 1974.
For instance, wolves and domestic dogs display a lot more social play compared to foxes, jackals, and coyotes. Interestingly, in coyotes, play-fighting often occurs after dominance establishment, whereas in wolves and dogs, it’s usually the other way round – they play fight to establish dominance.
This difference in play tactics shows that even within the same family of canids, behavior can vary greatly depending on the species. Another short observation is that play solicitation, or the act of inviting another to play, is more successful among sociable canids like wolves and dogs.
Play and Its Impact on Brain Development
Playtime isn’t just for fun. It significantly influences how the brain develops. Normal play behavior can stimulate the growth of the cerebellum, one of the main processing centers in the brain. Play can also encourage the differentiation of muscle fibers, essential for movement and muscle strength (Byers and Walker, 1998).
This idea extends to other areas of the brain as well. Play activity can enhance the development of the myelin sheath, which covers nerve cells and ensures smooth and fast electrical conductivity. More developed myelin sheaths facilitate better, more efficient communication between different areas of the brain.
The effects of play don’t end at physical changes in the brain. Play also influences the connections – or synapses – between neurons. Peak play periods in dogs, for instance, align directly with stages of brain development.
As an animal engages in play behavior, new synaptic connections form, strengthening the animal’s neural network. Play also shapes brain areas related to emotionality and empathy (Bekoff, 2001a).
Play’s Role in Behavioural Adaptation and Motor Skills
The importance of play extends beyond the physiological to the behavioral realm. It requires constant adaptation – animals who engage in social play must continually adjust their reactions and behavior to fit the changing dynamics of the play scenario. This capability further leads to the development of social learning in young puppies. By taking part in play, puppies learn crucial motor skills that assist them in communication and survival.
Rough-and-tumble play is particularly beneficial for somatosensory information processing, tying into the way animals perceive tactile inputs like touch and pressure (somatic sensation) and information from within the body like temperature and pain (visceral sensation). Play can even contribute to teaching bite inhibition and communication skills, fundamental to peaceful coexistence, and survival.
Play, Social Bonds, and Emotional Development
Animal play also has powerful social impacts.
Bekoff’s (2001) research into coyote behaviour showed that play fairness affects social bonds within coyote groups and even survival rates. Play can shape the brain’s ability to experience and express emotions.
It could potentially foster empathy, a key aspect of social interaction and cooperation. Beyond the actual fun, playtime seems to be essential for creating socially adept, emotionally balanced creatures. It encourages an appropriate response to aggression and reduces stress – both of which are vital for survival (Ward, Bauer, & Smuts 2008).
‘Everything I know, I learned from dogs.’ ( Nora Roberts)
Play Behavior and Conflict Resolution in Canine Species
Play behavior like social play and play fighting have significant implications on how adult dogs, wolves, and wild dogs react to conflicts. Social play is a type of behavior that affects adult dog responses when conflicts arise.
Similarly, play fighting is a form of dramatic social interaction that serves as a training mechanism, helping dogs avoid escalations during disagreements or conflicts. It’s intriguing to see how such playful activities shape the conflict resolution techniques in canine species.
Correlation Between Play and Cooperative Behavior/Hunting Skills in Dogs
Play in dogs and their wild counterparts like wolves doesn’t necessarily improve their hunting prowess. Unlike common perspective, canine play doesn’t directly contribute to enhancing their preying skills.
Notably, observational studies like those by Vincent & Bekoff in 1978 and Caro in 1980 call into question the presumed causality between play and predation. Even though these studies question a direct link, there’s a considerable demonstration of cooperative behavior in wolves and wild dogs.
This cooperation, which is considered vital in coordinated hunting, is learned through playful interaction among these creatures.
Influence of Play on Predator-Prey Dynamics
Despite doubts surrounding the direct impact of play on hunting skills in dogs, play continues to shape many behavioral elements in these animals.
The predator-prey dynamics in the canine world have always been a subject of much interest. Observational studies point to an ambiguous association between playful behaviors and improving these dynamics.
As research like Vincent & Bekoff (1978) and Caro’s (1980) work casts doubt over the causality between play and predation, it prompts us to reassess existing views and delve deeper into understanding the function and benefits of play behavior in dogs.
Play’s Role in Social Learning and Emotional Integration
Play has been associated with various functional and developmental facets in animals. Bekoff (2001) and Feddersen-Petersen (2004) pointed out that play contributes significantly towards learning morality and understanding social rules.
These studies essentially suggest that playful interactions can serve as practice sessions for young animals to explore behavioral ethics and societal norms.
Further, in an emotional context, Pellis & Pellis (2009) find a connection between play and emotional judgement and contextual understanding. In essence, playing games not only helps animals balance their emotions but also fosters adaptability in different situations.
Play as a Learning Tool
The concept of play as an educational tool has been widely recognized and applied, notably in dog training.
Play facilitates a safe environment for juvenile animals, including dogs, to sample different environments and behaviors. This, in turn, allows them to adapt to their surroundings and pick up survival techniques.
In addition, playing stimulates curiosity and fosters experimentation in dogs. By exploring and experimenting, dogs gain direct hands-on experience and develop problem-solving skills which are key to their survival. Thus, play is not only a tool for learning but also integral to the overall cognitive development of animals.