Questions tagged [canine social dynamics]
How do dogs use their bodies to show respect during play?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Dogs use their bodies to show respect during play through a combination of physical postures, movements, and behaviors that communicate their intentions and maintain a balanced, non-threatening interaction. These behaviors are rooted in canine social dynamics and are essential for ensuring that play...
What behaviors indicate that a dog is feeling submissive?
Category: Behavioral Studies
Submissive behavior in dogs is a way for them to communicate that they are not a threat and are willing to defer to another individual, whether it’s a human, another dog, or even another animal. These behaviors are rooted in canine social dynamics and are often used to avoid conflict or show respe...
Why do some dogs exhibit play bows during interactions?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Dogs exhibit play bows as a form of communication and social signaling during interactions, particularly when they want to initiate or maintain playful behavior. The play bow is a distinctive posture where a dog lowers its front legs and chest to the ground while keeping its hindquarters elevated. T...
How do dogs use play to establish social hierarchies?
Category: Interpreting Behavior
Dogs use play as a critical tool for establishing and maintaining social hierarchies within their groups, whether those groups are composed of other dogs, humans, or mixed species. Play serves multiple purposes in canine social dynamics, including communication, bonding, and the negotiation of socia...