Play = Conversation

Play is the most interactive activity dogs engage in with other dogs. Because they "talk" with behavior, play is a kind of "jaw session" that gives opportunity for expression. Now, let's not get carried away, it's not about the aesthetics of the poodle next door, it's more about assessing social status, personality... & how are you feeling right now?

If I take the toy from you, do you become angry? Or do you completely lose interest? Do you lunge at me and grab your toy back forcefully? When you "overpower" me & "win", do you drop your intensity to play at my capacity? Do you offer me the toy back or do you frolick it up in the corner with a sideways glance to see if I see how interesting and fun it is? Do you give me a chance to win? If I win, do you sulk? What kind of angles, speeds, and attitude do you approach with? When you retreat, are you saying you want me to back off or are you enticing me to follow?

The range of personality is truly amazing, and largely responsible for my personal interest in personality typing among dogs. I find evidence of what Bekoff is calling "ethical" behavior among dogs. I think dogs DO have ethics, but I hesitate to say so, because I guarantee some fool will claim the ethics are related to compliance with obedience commands or eliminating in the correct spot. No way.

What I am certain about is that play touches on social issues: trust, leadership, ownership, and others I don't have words for. It touches on the emotions of frustration, confidence, and what Temple Grandin calls "seeking" behavior. It provides intellectual stimulation (or, negatively, stress of unpredictability) when the rules keep changing -- which I intentionally do to elicit better and better responses.

My version of the "variable reward schedule" changes how much and what quality of work I expect from you to keep the game going.

I could write a book on playing with dogs. Anyone want to do a TV show on it?