Social media is always abuzz with videos of dogs engaging in some seriously funny antics with their owners.
There are plenty of supposedly lighthearted videos out there where the dogs actually look like they’re even enjoying some situations that could be uncomfortable, but are they really enjoying themselves?
I watched a conversation unfold online recently between a group of people and an individual over stress signals seen in a dog in a "cute" social media video. The stress signals were undoubtedly very, very subtle - but they really were there. I was dismayed to see that a large majority of the people responding chose to insult that individual and poke fun at them. This was supposed to be a group of educated dog people. This caused me to message that person and let them know that they were correct and to try not to let those people bother them. It seemed almost unfathomable to me that people that work with dogs could not see what was right under their noses - but that seems to happen frequently.
We all love to see our dogs having a blast, romping around with that joyful sparkle in their eyes. But sometimes, what looks like playful exuberance might actually be a sign of stress. Yep, you read that right - dogs can and do "fake" play!
This faux play falls under the "fidget" category in the four Fs of stress response (fight, flight, freeze, fidget). It's a displacement behavior, a way for your dog to cope with uncomfortable emotions by redirecting their energy into something seemingly unrelated.
I often see this in situations where there is potential to be conflict between dogs (sometimes between dogs and humans). Daycares, dog parks and shelter playgroups are hot spots for these faux play sessions, and it can be hard for an inexperienced eye to recognize the difference between faux play and authentic play. There are even professionals in the field that just cannot seem to tell the difference. Many well-meaning dog guardians think that they see their dogs having a blast on the doggy daycare cameras, in daycare photos or at the dog park when they are running about almost carelessly, but there is always more to what we see. How do we really know that dogs are truly having an enjoyable time?
Spotting the Difference: Real Play vs. Faux Play
It's not always easy to tell the difference, especially if you really aren’t sure what to look for. Knowing each individual dog's personality is the first step - but sometimes a professional in the field isn't afforded that luxury. The following are some clues that may help:
Real Play:
Loose, wiggly body language accompanied by sweeping tail wags
Bouncy movements with light play bows
Relaxed facial expressions, open mouth, soft eyes
Mutual engagement with another dog or person
Taking breaks as needed and returning to play
Faux Play:
Stiff or exaggerated movements – these can even be harder, stiffer play bows specifically thrown to break tension
Lack of reciprocity with playmate
Whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes)
Lip licking, yawning
Panting without exuberant play or warm weather
Appearing overly aroused or even frantic
May seem "pushy" or insistent in play – other dog may be giving appeasement signals or seeking escape or humans may feel dog is playing too hard
Why the Faux Pas?
Dogs might engage in faux play when they're feeling:
Anxious or stressed: An unfamiliar environment, unfamiliar people, unfamiliar dogs, too much activity or even exciting situations can trigger this response.
Conflicted: They might want to play but also feel unsure or hesitant.
Over-stimulated: Too much excitement can lead to over-arousal and displacement behaviors. This is common in daycare and dog park situations.
Frustrated: If they're prevented from doing something they want, faux play can become an outlet. This can also happen at inopportune times, especially when we are training adolescent dogs – more so if we are pushing further than they can handle.
What to Do When Play Seems Off
Recognize the signs: Pay attention to your dog's body language and overall demeanor. Learn your individual dog’s signs of stress and begin to put a focus on what their body is doing during play to assure that they are in fact having fun.
Reduce the pressure: If the situation seems to be causing stress, remove your dog from it if you can. There is no reason to keep your dog in situations that cause undue stress – this includes playgroups, whether in daycare or dog parks. Socialization is not about meeting other dogs and people. It’s about learning to be neutral around them.
Provide an alternative: If you can, offer a calming activity like a chew toy or a quiet space to relax. If your dog is in daycare, request that your dog has a more structured day where they can take needed breaks from the activity. Constant arousal can lead to other issues for our dogs. Highly stimulating environments for extended times without breaks are not good for our dogs. Such situations can result in behavioral fallout - or the manifestation of unwanted behaviors.
Address underlying anxiety: If faux play seems frequent, consider working with a credentialed and certified dog trainer, behavior consultant or veterinary behaviorist to address any underlying anxiety or stress. We are here to help you!
While play is generally a fantastic thing for dogs, it's important to recognize when it might be masking underlying stress. By understanding your dog's behavior and responding appropriately, you can help them navigate challenging situations and find healthier ways to cope. All dogs play differently though, so please take your individual dog into consideration. If you have concerns about your dog, do not hesitate to reach out to us.
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