Good Dog Play Versus Redirect Play

“Dog play” and “redirect play” are commonly used at Dogtopia Doggie Daycare. Each one refers to different facets of dog behavior. In our playrooms with daycare dogs and boarding dogs, we have amazing opportunities to observe this in our playrooms.

Good Play

When we refer to dog play, we are talking about the natural behaviors exhibited by dogs when they interact with dogs, humans, and toys playfully. Play is essential to canine behavior and serves various purposes, including socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation.  Play behavior can include chasing, wrestling, fetching, and tug-of-war. Dogs often engage in these activities to communicate, create social bonds, and release excess energy.  During play, dogs may give various body language cues indicating their enjoyment and engagement.   These include things such as play bows, relaxed body posture, and vocalizations like barking or playful growling.  We love to see all of the dogs play in our doggie daycare!

Redirect Play

Redirect play is something we pre-emptively manage and redirect at our daycare center.  These methods involve redirecting a dog’s attention from an undesirable behavior to a more appropriate outlet, by using unique sounds, peanut butter-flavored bubbles, or giving lots of attention when they are making good choices. Redirect play can be an effective way to address behaviors.   For example, excessive mouthing, chasing, or rough play, providing an appropriate outlet for the dog’s instincts.

In summary, while “dog play” refers to the natural and enjoyable interactions between dogs or between a dog and its owner, “redirect play” is a training technique used to redirect a dog’s attention and energy towards more appropriate behaviors, thereby helping to manage and modify undesirable behaviors. Both concepts are important in understanding and effectively managing canine behavior.

At Dogtopia of Viera, all of our canine coaches receive extensive training both before entering a playroom and continuing education once they work with our dogs.  Our curriculum is approved for continuing education credits by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT).  We believe in positive methods to give our dogs the best possible experience while getting plenty of exercise, education, and socialization.