SAFE PLAY GUIDE Any bullying, fighting, biting, bleeding or excessive barking, (even when playing) means it’s time to go. Dogs won’t stop themselves, so we need your help to keep them safe. There are some very easy things to watch for to make sure safe play is maintained.

APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR	INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
Play is balanced. Lots of “back and forth” and give and take (they switch roles frequently). Both dogs are having fun.	Aggressive playing, excessive barking, growling with teeth showing, harassing or bullying.
Dogs have loose, relaxed bodies and ears. Their movements are silly and inefficient-looking. Tails are wagging.	Body slamming, pinning and mounting other dogs.
Chase, wrestling and tugging games exhibit a sense of sharing and are evenly matched.	Ganging up or excessive dominance of any kind. If one dog is being chased into hiding or is becoming defensive, interrupt the play.
Friendly play gestures. Playful “bows” with their front end down to the ground. Stopping when things get too rough.	Snapping or biting. Snarling with lips curled. These often happen when scared, aggravated, exhausted or guarding a toy.

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS EXHIBITING ANY SIGNS OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

1. Call your dog and remove them away from play. Clap or make a loud noise if need be to get their attention.

2. Allow your dog to fully calm down to a level zero before you release them back to play.

3. If your dog goes back to inappropriate behavior, take a leashed timeout in the bar area until your dog has completely calmed down. Timeout rooms are also available on a first come, first served basis. Please ask the staff for assistance to use a timeout room.

4. After re-entry, if your dog goes back to acting inappropriately, then it’s time to go home for the day.

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