Play Behavior in Dogs

Though unable to laugh or even smile, dogs nonetheless play and have fun. How we are able to make these bold assumptions is rather quite simple. If it can be proven that dogs are aware and have consciousness, it can be proven that they have the capacity to have fun. In order to do so, all one needs to do is observe the animal’s behavior even over a short time. Dog owners and animal psychologists agree that dogs exhibit a wide range of behavior patterns illustrating emotions of happiness, anxiety, boredom, lonliness, and depression. Simply observing a dog that has been neglected for even a short time will show an observer just how deep feelings of lonliness can be. In showing that dogs can feel, it follows that dogs have mental capacity and consciousness.

The question now becomes, "what exactly is play behavior?" According to animal behavorist Dr. Wemelsfelder, "play may be regarded as a direct expression of the capacity to interact with the environment….and reflects the animal’s ability to anticipate novel stimulation….In animal play, we see animals solving novel problems which suggests the subjective nature of animal behavior." In plain old English, play behavior is simply play.

In observing the dog, it became clear the signals these animals use to initiate and to continue play. Perhaps the most outstanding gesture observed was the "bow." In watching my own dog play with other dogs and even humans, the bow was used time and again. Whether it be after a play fight or a pre-cursor to desired interaction, this gesture was primary in attracting wanted attention. Accompanying this gesture are a variety of others such as barking, whining, tail wagging and facial expressions. The easiest way to tell a dog is engaging in play or is anticipating play is by the tail. Side to side motions were observed in general play situations or in simply spending time with the animal. Up and down motions were mainly seen in play between dogs and seemed to be used as another invitation to continue play. Barking, or more accurately, playful yelping was observed between dogs but was not seen when my dog was playing with me. Instead, a softer whine was used to communicate with humans. Another important communicaton tool used by dogs is facial expression. While unable to smile, perking the ears, relaxing the jaw and opening the mouth (without panting) served as visual indicators that the dog was happy and engaged in play activity.

The evolutionary basis for play behavior in animals according to behaviorist Robert Fagan is such that "play evolved through a series of phases involving development of physical capacity and skill, development of close positive dyadic social relationiships, assessment of well-being..integrative aspects of individual personality in relation to the physical and social environment." This would explain many of the behaviors seen in dogs such as play fighting. In the wild, dogs rely on hunting skill and fighting skill to be able to survive. It is the play fighting as puppies that teaches them many necessary skills to be able to be successful in these areas. In domesticated dogs this instinct is still very much alive as young pups spend much time play fighting with one another. It’s simply programmed into their thinking.

The final issue to be addressed is why play behavior is such an important aspect of every animal’s life. The best answer that can be given is that play helps to establish and maintain a healthy state of well-being. Play can be a "fear coping strategy" or an "emotion of relief" and can serve to "alleviate the detrimental effects of social isolation" (Wemelsfelder). Play allows for social bonding functions and according to Faga "allos individual creativity, interpretation, improvisation, and cultural transmission." Essentially, play can be used as a learning tool, a contributor to reproductive success, and as a means to achieving companionship.

From my own personal observations it is evident that there are many ways that dogs have fun. For sake of discussion I will brush upon three. First and foremost is the playfighting. The majority of the time my dog was in the presence of another dog was spent play fighting. Always under control, the two dogs exhibited frequent play faces and the tail utilization described above. The bow was used to apologize when the infrequent unnecessary roughness came into play. The second game the dogs liked to play is known as the "chase game." Not only with each other, but with humans as well, dogs take much pleasure in being chased around. Behaviorist say that dogs have an imagination and are pretending to be chased by some threatening animal. I say that dogs have a sense of humor and are simply observing how many times one will follow them around a tree. A third game my dog likes to play is to sit dead weight on anything I need to pull in the back yard. I was attempting to pull a heavy canvas across the yard and the dog plopped down and made herself as heavy as possible. There can be no explanation for this except that she is playing and has a sense of humor.