10/22/2026
Let's talk dog-to-dog social skills — because not all play is good play, and knowing the difference keeps everyone safe! 🐾
✅ **Good signs to look for:**
Loose, wiggly bodies and play bows, taking turns (the chaser becomes the chased), and natural pauses where both dogs check in and choose to jump back in. Bigger dogs that lie down or play gentler with smaller ones, soft faces, open mouths, and the freedom to walk away and come back — that's healthy play.
🚩 **What to watch out for:**
Stiff bodies, hard stares, raised hackles, or a dog that freezes — those are warnings, not play. One dog constantly pinning or chasing while the other tries to escape, mounting that won't stop, or tension around toys, food, or water bowls. And please don't let dogs "just work it out" — step in early with a calm recall and a little break before things escalate.
A few things worth remembering: on-leash greetings are tough, because leash tension alone can turn a friendly hello into a reaction. And here's a big one — socialization doesn't mean greeting every dog. It means learning to be calm and neutral around other dogs. Not every dog is a dog-park dog, and that's completely okay!
When in doubt, shorter, calmer, and supervised is always the right call. 💛
Want help building your dog's social skills the right way? We'd love to chat!
📞 385-462-6619
🌐 www.olk9utah.com
