May 28, 2025, 12:26 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
“Look, they’re playing so nicely,” is often said when one dog chases another. But often, it’s something entirely different. How to recognize real play and when an owner should intervene is explained by dog trainer Katharina Marioth in the PETBOOK interview.
Whether in the park or at the dog park–we humans often assume that dogs already know how to play, and it’s just a matter of unleashing them and letting them go. But what often happens then has little to do with genuine social play. Worse still, it can happen that your own dog is downright bullied and chased. We often think, “Oh, they’re playing so nicely.” And after all, the dog seems really worn out afterward. But instead of having fun, he probably experienced stress and is therefore completely exhausted. But how do you recognize the difference between play and seriousness? And what can you do to protect your own dog? PETBOOK spoke with dog trainer Katharina Marioth about this.
“Dog behavior is often misinterpreted”
PETBOOK: Katharina, you are a dog trainer with a lot of experience with dogs in off-leash areas. You often see dogs chasing each other. Is that really always play?
Katharina Marioth: “True play behavior is a highly social bonding activity. It usually only occurs among dogs that know each other well and have built a certain level of trust. This means that you are more likely to see genuine play among dogs that have been moving and observing each other for a while.”
What leads to dogs not really playing but rather “running” or chasing each other?
“Dog behavior is often misinterpreted. For example, a dog that is digging might not be playing but rather relieving stress. A so-called ‘running game’ often has more to do with hunting behavior. You can see it in the body language: stretched back lines and a tense posture. The dog being chased often shows signs of stress, such as widened eyes or a crouched posture. Many don’t recognize this, but it’s not what we understand as play.”
Also interesting: Expert warns: “Dogs can become addicted to play too!”
“There are clear body language signs”
When should an owner intervene when observing such behaviors?
“A good moment is when you enter the off-leash area with your dog. Let your dog settle in first and don’t immediately unleash him without giving him the chance to feel secure. Especially near fences, we often see dogs being sent away directly by the owner, which can stress the dog. If the dog comes to you seeking protection, you should keep him with you and not send him away immediately. Breaks are important. If a dog is constantly being chased or appears overly stressed, you should interrupt the group and take a short break.”
What should you do if the recall doesn’t work and the dog is stuck in such a situation?
“The recall should always work, of course, but if it doesn’t, the dog should remain on the leash for the time being. In such clusters of dogs where the recall doesn’t help, it’s important to stay calm and composed. You should gently remove your dog from the group without haste and avoid using food as a lure. This can trigger resource aggression. I advise using your own body language to gently extract your dog and then remove yourself from the situation.”
How do you recognize when the situation really becomes problematic?
“There are clear body language signs. If a dog appears highly stressed, with widened eyes or a crouched posture, that’s a clear signal. Then it’s time to intervene before it escalates.”
About the Expert
Katharina Marioth is the founder of the Stadthundetraining brand and the KEML principle. She is an IHK- and government-certified dog trainer and behavior assessor for dangerous dogs in the state of Berlin. In her daily business, she works closely with veterinarians, scientists, and other specialists on dog-related topics. With her knowledge and skills, she secured the title of Dog Trainer of the Year 2023 in the Sat.1 show “The Dog Trainer Champion.”