Description
Price: $19.95
(as of Feb 26, 2025 22:52:49 UTC – Details)
New printing now in black and whiteDogs at play—how it works!
Almost all dogs love to play—by themselves, with other dogs, people, objects and toys. But what do we really know about play? Is it possible that what looks like play is something else entirely? German author Mechtild Käufer presents findings from scores of researchers worldwide who study why dogs play, the benefits they get from play and how to recognize the “rules” of play that dogs follow to keep their play behaviors fun and safe. For those wanting to research this subject more, the book is thoroughly referenced. There are dozens of color photographs included to help illustrate the actions of dogs at play.
Great information on:
-“Self-handicapping” measures that dogs employ to keep things fun for all even with dogs of differing size and strength.
-Benefits that play brings to puppies including increased coordination, cooperation and hunting skills.
-How to be a better observer to prevent play from turning aggressive, including appropriate measures to take to intervene.
What experts are saying about Canine Play Behavior
I’m delighted that this superb book on dog play is now available in English to canine professionals and dog lovers! Based on the latest scientific understanding of the vital role of natural play in canine development and social interactions, this eminently readable book provides exceptional information as well as practical tips about play between and with dogs. Numerous photographs illustrate the concepts and behaviors beautifully.
Risë VanFleet, PhD, RPT-S, CDBC and author of The Human Half of Dog Training
Play, though joyous and fun, is a serious topic. This comprehensive, in-depth examination of play belongs on the shelves of all serious students of canine behavior.
Nicole Wilde, CPDT-KA and author of Help for Your Fearful Dog
A towering and detailed survey of the extensive literature on play. Beautifully illustrated! Jean Donaldson, Founder of the Academy of Dog Trainers and author of Culture Clash
Publisher : Dogwise Publishing (September 10, 2011)
Language : English
Paperback : 256 pages
ISBN-10 : 1617812714
ISBN-13 : 978-1617812712
Item Weight : 12.3 ounces
Dimensions : 6 x 0.58 x 9 inches
Lori –
Solid, up to date science-based information on dog-dog play
Having multiple dogs can be tricky. My first experience with having multiple dogs was easy, since my original dog was one of those rare, socially-savvy dogs that just made everything work with the other dogs. After I lost her to cancer I had trouble adding a new dog to the family, so I went looking for some credible information on how dogs interact. I was so happy a dog trainer recommended this book because it has detailed, science-based information in a form that’s easy for non-dog trainers to digest. I’m not a professional dog trainer, but I have a thorough understanding of dog body language. With that, and the information and photos in this book, I was able to watch my dogs play and interact and know when it was and wasn’t time to interrupt their play with a “recall” and a treat reinforcer, as well as when to separate them for a little while, or just call it a day. Dogs, just like people, don’t get along with all dogs and they often need someone to manage their interactions, especially when adding new dogs to the family. Armed with this information and a solid understanding of force free training (thank you Force Free Trainers of Wisconsin!) I have been able to help my older, not-so-socially-savvy dog and the young, energetic pup, not only get along, but enjoy each other’s company.
Dylan Boyce –
I understand that this book may not be the most fun to read for the layman but I found it …
I have run a dog park playgroup professionally for three years and I am a certified trainer through the Karen Pryor Academy. I understand that this book may not be the most fun to read for the layman but I found it both incredibly well researched and fascinating. The book is laid out in chapters with headings like “social play” and “play communication”, with each chapter listing and describing common forms of canine play with extensive sources.All of the author’s descriptions are excellent and sourced for further study. While there is no overt description of what play looks like when it becomes aggressive, which would be helpful for someone like me, that is not the focus of the book. This is a treatise on play behavior in canines and as such is seemingly exhaustive. Despite the omission of warning signs, by having an expanded vocabulary to determine “what is play?” I feel much more confident in determining what isn’t.I have read several books on dog body language and I have found this one to be the most engaging. If you are looking for a technical book then this book is for you.
Aida James –
Some good basic “play” knowledge
Good book, covering the basics of play in dogs. Brings together lots of scientific references in one location to help understand the language of play. It’s importance in development both mental and physical.
User 739498 –
great resource
good info. easy to read
DLM –
Helped me a lot.
This book was so helpful to me. I have a 6 year old American Bulldog that never really knew how to play well and a brand new Blue Heeler puppy with no play manners. It looked like a disaster in the making. This book helped me recognize what appropriate play was, the signals that indicated when play was becoming aggression, and helped me guide both dogs into the proper direction for good play manners for both. It was a struggle. I had to determine when to let the two of them work things out, when to let the older dog teach the puppy when enough was enough, and when to step in and separate the two of them before the play turned into aggression. It also taught me that I should never let the older, much bigger dog chase the puppy because that can lead to an attack by the bigger dog – and I did have to put a stop to that kind of activity a couple of times. The puppy is now almost six months old and they play well together for brief periods of time now – the puppy still pushes things a bit but I know when to separate them. It has avoided a lot of problems – and harm.
animal lover –
A great book if you work in a shelter or doggie day care
I really like this book – I volunteer at a shelter and am involved in overseeing play groups which I have been doing for a while and still I learned a lot from this book – I especially like the pictures which I’ve shown to new volunteers who are interested in working with our play groups. Highly recommend this book.
Rusty –
Dogs Must Play
Helpful book to understand the play behavior of littermates. Well written and easy to follow. Lots of references to actual studies. A must read for anyone raising multiple puppies.
Zoilala –
Perfect Dog Training read
perfect for anyone who who is a beginner Dog Trainer & anyone who starts Dog training classes. Gives great detail insight from both vet & behavioural aspects.
Ace –
Easy to read and offers clear explanations about dog play and behaviour. I used it as a reference in my studies to become a dog behaviourist. It’s a must-read for beginners or anyone interested in understanding dog play.
Mathieu Jacqmin –
C’est un sujet qui était encore peu développé (et qui l’est toujours peu dans nos pays francophones) et qui a autant d’importance que d’autres aspects (promenade, apprentissage, agressivité,…). Il faudrait qu’il soit traduit en français pour permettre aux personnes qui ne savent pas lire l’anglais de profiter de cet excellent livre.Un livre basé à la fois sur des recherches scientifiques et sur des observations concrètes (très bien illustré en plus). On en apprend beaucoup sur l’importance de jouer plus avec son chien.Service Amazon très bien.
Gwynn –
Worth more than 5 stars. It has given me more insight into my dogs than all the previous books and trading classes we have been to. It should be on dog trainers and behaviourists compulsory reading. First rate book that I highly recommend.
Catherine P –
Interesting read, certainly learnt a lot, but sometimes a bit of a.”waffle” with too many big words, made for hard reading.
Amazon Customer –
Every dog owner should read this book and then play with your dog it is so important for dogs to play