Rough Play vs. Healthy Play
“How We Keep Daycare Safe.”
We all want our dogs to have fun in daycare. But not all play is the same. here’s to tell the difference between healthy play and rough play, and what our team watches for to keep daycare safe, structured, and stress-free. If you’re new to Pawsies, this will also help you know whether your dog is ready for group play.
Play is a popular word but lets translate that to dog language.
Just like a group of humans on a basketball court you have all kinds of play styles.
Common play styles:
Rough and rowdy players.
Gentle / boundaries aware players.
Dogs who get overstimulated and needs help taking breaks.
What staff watch for:
In dog daycare, it’s important that every dog socializing with other dogs is monitored by trained staff. When two dogs play, it’s the handler’s decision to control the game as a dog can easily scratch or injured in a quick second. A good handler keeps the dogs in a neutral level of energy. Not too boring, but also not overly exciting. A good pack leader keeps the dogs’ focused teaching the rules and boundaries of socialization with other dogs.
When we intervene:
Keep in mind dogs do not process things like humans. Allowing dogs with no limitation will make other dogs feel uncomfortable that may lead into aggressive behaviors. Dogs who struggle with boundaries gets extra breaks or completely separated till they learn to basic rules. If any of those rules are broken handler must immediately interfere.
Good play:
Loose, wiggly bodies
Role reversals (chasing switches)
Frequent pauses / check-ins
Both dogs re-engage willingly.
Want to see if your dog is a good fit for daycare? Book your temperament evaluation.
