DOG-DOG PLAY: A DOG TRAINER’S GUIDE TO THE GOOD, THE GOOFY, AND THE GROWLY
- By Christina Cambie
- Sep 16
- 2 min read
One of the great joys of my life is watching dogs play. Yesterday I hosted a yard romp with neighbors and clients, and it reminded me why we started our doggie playgroup in the first place: some dogs just need to fling themselves at their own species or they’ll explode.
I’ll be the first to concede that not every dog is into it. Dogs with fear issues or a history of injurious fights can sit this one out. But here’s the kicker: a lot of the leash-pulling issues I’m called in to fix are just frustrated dog-deprived pups. Imagine only getting peeks at other humans while straining on a rope, you might scream and lunge too!
Bar fights in disguise (aka what good play actually looks like)
Dog play can be a ruckus: fast, loud, and teeth everywhere. It’s totally normal if it makes you nervous. But most dogs are fluent negotiators who pull punches and swap roles like seasoned improv actors. Good play involves:
Role reversals – the chaser becomes the chased, the “pinned” dog turns the tables.
Activity shifts – wrestle, run, wrestle again.
Self-handicapping – bite marks? None. Just slobber.
Play signals – floppy bodies, rocking-horse gaits, play bows, and relaxed goofy faces.
Refereeing & safety rules (how to intervene without killing the vibe)
Play-biting and play-chasing often look real. It’s ok to redirect a suspected bully if:
One dog won’t let another hide or move away → step in and give the underdog a break.
Two-on-one chase games → break it up. It’s no fun being the rabbit when everyone else is playing wolf.
Heat’s rising, tempers fraying → Yelps, stiff poses, or snaps being ignored by a playmate are your cue to call a breather.
Other quick rules of the ring:
Size matters – teacup + linebacker = no thanks.
Three’s company – when two dogs get stuck in a “zoomie vs. chill” mismatch, a third pup gives everyone an escape hatch and spreads the energy around.
No vinegar allowed – if someone’s yelling, scolding or “correcting,” it stresses all the dogs in the group. You’ll catch more flies (and dogs) with squeakers, happy talk, and silly movement.
Where to play
Dog parks – fantastic if the vibe’s right, frat party if it’s not. Scope it out and remember you can always bail for a sniffy walk if it feels off.
Neighbor’s yard – curated guest list, backyard zoomies, and a chance to make human friends too.
SniffSpots – No yard? No problem! Rent a private yard or field for zoomies without randos.
Final bark
Dog-dog play is messy, noisy, sometimes scary-looking, and pure joy for the dogs who want it. With the right dogs, setting, and good supervision, it’s safe and spectacular.
Supervise a safe play session with your size-matched, friendly dogs, either at a park or in a yard.
Teach you recall tricks so you can end a game gracefully (instead of being that person yelling across the field).
Give guidance on dog-dog play skills and how to keep everyone happy, safe, and stress-free.
Because life’s better when our dogs get to be… dogs.
