Socialized Dogs
Socialized Dogs: Exploring the Dog-Human Connection If you’re here it’s because you one of those real people who have wondered… Read More »Socialized Dogs
The Roles and History of Dogs
Journey through the domestication history of dogs and explore the variability in their behavior and the diversity of breeds. Learn about the roles dogs play in human activities, the differences between dog and wolf genetics, and key studies on dog behavior.
Types of Dog Play: Solitary to Social Canine Play
Canine play behavior is both solitary and social. These activities reflect the dog’s instincts for both hunting and social interaction.
Humans have long known that dogs are social creatures. They love playing in groups and with their owners. However, they are also comfortable playing alone.
As they are descended from predators, many of these play activities are designed to mimic hunting behavior, reflecting their wild and solitary nature as scavengers and predators.
Human-Dog Play: Play Bonding Interactions
It might seem obvious to say, but humans shape puppies’ future play behaviors.
The interactions the dog had with its human caregivers during its formative months affects it in later life. (A puppy treated with kindness and attention will likely grow to exhibit friendly and playful behavior.)
Play bonding is an very important and deeply enjoyable ingredient in this care.
Puppy Development Explained: From Neonatal to Socialization Stages
When it comes to understanding the puppy growth stages, there’s a roadmap devised by Scott and Fuller in 1965.
puppy development.
The roadmap begins with the neonatal period, or, in other words, a puppy’s first 13 days of life.
Why Do Dogs Love Play?
The nature of play is something that connects us at a fundamental level all creatures who are capable of it, including, of course, our beloved dogs, who are so famously good at it.
Play, as defined by Johan Huizinga, (who should know, since he wrote the first big book about it!) is a voluntary activity that is bound by rules and executed within certain limits. That dogs love play is something every puppy owner knows and loves.
Play Partners for Your Choosing Enjoyable and Safe Play
Learn how to select suitable play partners for your dog to ensure a safe and enjoyable playtime experience. Understand the risks of solitary play, the importance of diverse play experiences for puppies, and how breed impacts play preferences. Discover ways to recognize and intervene in problematic play behaviors.
Canine Play and Stress, Age and Breed
Delve into the diverse world of dog play behaviors and learn how age, stress, status, and breed influence their play. Discover the contrasts between dog and wolf play, and the factors that shape the frequency and type of play in dogs.
The Benefits of Play in Dogs
Uncover the multifaceted benefits of play in dogs, including its role in developing social skills, contributing to behavioral flexibility, and enhancing brain development. Learn how play affects a dog’s emotional development, physical health, and stress management, and its significance in social bonding and cognitive growth.
The Many Forms of Dog Play
Explore the different forms of play among dogs and how to engage your dog in healthy playtime activities. Understand the dynamics of play fighting, high wrestling, mounting, and other play behaviors to ensure safe and enjoyable interactions for your furry companion.