May 28, 2025, 12:26 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
“Look, they’re playing so nicely,” is often said when one dog chases another. However, this is frequently something entirely different. Dog trainer Katharina Marioth explains in a PETBOOK interview how to recognize genuine play and when owners should intervene.
Whether in the park or at the dog park–we humans often assume that dogs already know how to play, so we unleash them and let them go. However, what often ensues has little to do with genuine social play. Worse yet, your own dog might end up being bullied and chased. We often think, “Oh, they’re playing so nicely.” And afterward, the dog seems really worn out. But instead of having fun, the dog likely experienced stress and is completely exhausted. So how can you tell 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 in off-leash areas. You often see dogs chasing each other. Is that 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 you are more likely to see genuine play among dogs that have been moving and observing each other for a while.”
What causes dogs not to play properly but rather to “run” or chase 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 their 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 first arrive at the off-leash area with your dog. Let your dog settle in and don’t immediately unleash them without giving them a chance to feel secure. Especially in fenced areas, we often see dogs being sent away directly by their owners, which can stress the dog. If the dog comes to you seeking protection, you should keep them with you and not send them 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, but if it doesn’t, the dog should remain on the leash for now. 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 rushing and avoid using food as a lure. This can trigger resource aggression. I recommend using your own body language to gently extract your dog and then remove yourself from the situation.”
How can you tell when the situation is really becoming 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.”