1 Tip, 1 Idea, 1 Quote.
On Handicapping During Play
Dog Trainer Auckland
August 11, 2026
1 Tip - on life with your dog
Does your dog play with dogs of every size? Watch the bigger dog - a good play partner will self-handicap: crouching, dipping their head, or offering a full play bow with a loose, wiggly body to meet a smaller dog at their level. That's self-handicapping in action, and it's a clear invitation to play. But if the bigger dog looms, blocks movement, or holds a stiff body with their head up high, that's not play - it's pressure. Step in before the smaller dog needs to react.
1 Idea - on the leading edge
Self-handicapping shows up in other ways too: a larger or more powerful dog rolling onto their back, softening their bite, or slowing right down so a smaller dog can keep up. It's good manners, and it points to real social intelligence. A dog who self-handicaps behaves as though play only works when both dogs are having fun.
1 Quote - on dogs
I always watch closely when dogs play, especially unfamiliar dogs, and interrupt the play with claps or noise - this encourages breaks to keep the energy in check.
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