Is It Safe To Let Puppies Play Rough? Here’s What Experts Say

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Puppies have a crucial period of socialization that lasts from three weeks to between the twelfth and fourteenth weeks of their lives. Studies have shown that a lack of positive contacts during this early period might lead to a dog's fearfulness and indecent social behaviors later.

For healthy socialization, it's essential to let your dog play with other dogs, and that will also be a lot of fun for you and your pup. However, if the introduction is not controlled and exercised with caution, play sessions can potentially cause harm and steer the puppy's development in the wrong direction. Many dog owners want to know is it safe to let their puppies play rough, and the answer is - yes, as long as you keep an eye on them and step in when the play gets too rough. Here’s what you should know about it.

Is it safe to let puppies play rough?

When pups or dogs play, they growl and playfully trample on one other. As long as they don't cross the line into aggression, it's usually fine to let them run wild. Plus, as we mentioned earlier, it can help socialize them.

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It's easy to tell if your puppy is having a good time playing if they exhibit a variety of tell-tale signs. Similarly, if your puppy shows signs of fear, such as yipping, crying, or running away, it needs a break.

Senior dogs also need some activities and socialization, and like puppies, they shouldn't be trampled by strong adult dogs. They, too, need a break from the commotion from time to time. The key thing to remember is - It's OK to let puppies play rough, as long as their owners know when they might need to break up the play that became too rough.

Puppy signs of playful behavior

As a puppy owner, it's essential to keep an eye out for specific indicators that everything is friendly, and the atmosphere is not tense. You may tell your pups are having a good time if you see the following signs:

Play bowing

This is a clear invitation for you or your dog friends to join in on the fun. As they bow, they may pound or stomp their paws on the ground to express their excitement.

Silliness

This is a sign that your pet wants to play with other animals. They're behaving in a goofy way. Exaggerated play style will make your pet appear to be attempting to grab your attention or the attention of their playing partners.

Belly exposure

The act of rolling over and displaying their stomach is a sign of passiveness. They are letting everyone know they're comfortable with the situation they're in. This is a common tactic used by smaller animals to reassure larger ones that they are not a threat.

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Play sounds

Excitable sounds can be heard in the yips, growls, and barks. These playful growls and barks aren't meant to be a warning but rather a sign that the dog is having a good time. Observing your dog's posture can tell you a lot about how they're feeling about the situation. Authentic growls are accompanied by additional signs of fear and hostility, including a rigid body posture, an erect tail, and exposed teeth.

Chasing

In this game, your dogs are supposed to be pursuing each other. Play bowing or nibbling at other pets is a common way for pets to get other pets to chase after them.

Smiling

Dogs that are having a blast can literally appear to be chuckling or giggling. You can tell that your dogs have a great time when their mouths are wide open and they seem to be smiling.

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Signs to look out for

When dogs play together, they can engage in more roughhousing than is appropriate or safe. It's possible that one or more of the dogs will try to flee or act out in an aggressive manner, such as biting or growling. Signs of a potential fight can be seen by keeping an eye out for the following signs;

• Exposed teeth
• Yawning
• Averted gaze
• Growling
• Stiff posture
• Ears back and close to the head
• Ruffled hair
• Attempting to flee

What to do about it?

Distract the dogs and separate them if you notice any of these signs on either dog. Roughhousing can be distressing to certain dogs. Give them something else to do while the other dogs play more energetic games, such as a puzzle toy that will make them focus on solving the problem.

Risks associated with visiting a dog park

Adult dogs can benefit from well-managed dog parks. Still, puppies shouldn't be introduced to these environments until they are more confident.

Dog parks can be pretty dangerous, especially for pups that haven't been fully vaccinated yet. Plus, controlling the environment is a lot more challenging. Energetic adult dogs can easily harm or frighten your puppy.

According to veterinarians, dog parks should be avoided until your puppy is six months old or older. Body language cues and non-injurious anti-social conduct like growling and snarking are used by dogs regularly in dog parks. If an unsocialized puppy experiences that for the first time in a dog park, they can end up traumatized and scared.

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That is entirely understandable, and if their owners don't ensure positive experiences, puppies may conclude that all adult dogs, no matter how strange they appear, are dangerous.

Instead, provide a setting in which they can develop their social skills in relative safety. When anything goes wrong at the dog park, they're more likely to be able to brush it off if they already have previous pleasant associations with other dogs.

Conclusion

When taking your dog to the doggie daycare, dog park, or any other place where dogs socialize, be sure to keep a close eye on them. It's best to leave the area if you detect your dog is being bullied or if your puppy is the one doing the bullying. Puppy playmates should be similar in size and age, as some puppies are too little to be left alone with larger dogs.

And the last tip - ensure your puppy is receiving the proper training and socialization to help them develop good behavior and allow them to become the confident, well-behaved dogs we all know they can be.

World Dog Finder team