The Rules of the Game

When puppies play "loser takes all", they are learning about hierarchy. The puppy adopts many postures with his brothers and sisters. Rolling, "move over and let me in", etc. At the age of one month, his body is in constant motion. Even his mask is expressive - no more stiff baby puppy face! He curls up his lips, flaps his ears and moves his facial muscles. So many visible signs in the life of the group. Lying on one's back is the best way to get attention: the whole gang runs over, ready for trouble. At five weeks, the puppies start to play little war games. They chew on each other's ears, grab each other by the nape of the neck and nibble on each other's muzzle (the mouth is truly a multi-purpose receptacle). Not only are the puppies being initiated into combat games, they are also learning the rules of life in a pack. The puppy tests attitudes of domination and submission. If he lies flat on his back with his hind paws spread apart, it means he lost the battle! What a feeling! Games that involve pushing and hard struggle reveal the first signs of sexual activity (the young male thrusting his pelvis).

At three months there is a change of partner. Now the puppy wants to play with humans. He invites them to share in his delirious fun. He has ways and means to convince them. He looks up reverently, his eyes riveted on his owner's and wiggles around as though doing a belly dance. His lips drawn back, jaw slightly open - mimicking a smile - he uses every means of seduction. He skips about, wriggles his body, runs, jumps, leaps, etc. When at last he wins, he gets to play ball. He catches it and brings it back. A stick is thrown to him. He catches it between his teeth, runs off with it and does not let it go.

Play, which lays the foundation for the hierarchy between dogs, helps prevent fights involving serious biting, soften aggressive tendencies and strengthen ties with the owner. This is a life-long pleasure since in dogs, the desire to play increases with age.

Brigitte Bullard-Cordeau

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