August 18, Would You Interrupt This Interaction?
Photo © Marco De Kloet
Would you interrupt this interaction? Please explain your answer. How many behaviors can you describe in this dod to dog interaction?
TMCawley71 said,
August 18, 2008 @ 9:56 am
I would be ready to interupt it in case things went bad. What I see in the picture is a Terv havign fun with a little pug. The as captured in this photo the pug looks a little concerned. His/her ears are back, one can see the whites of the eyes (though I admit that with pugs one can see the whites relatively easily), and the pug seems to be leaning away from the Terv, and unless this pug has less tail than most pugs, its tail appears to be down, yet it still has its head up. The pug is also looking at the Terv rather than avoiding eye contact. The Terv does Appear to be ready to place a paw on the pug’s back, while its body is relaxed. The Terv has a soft wode open mouth its ears are in a neutal possition, its eyes while looking at the pug are soft and relaxed. So from the time of the picture forward I would be watchful and be certain the Pug doesn’t take the Terv’s intentions the wrong way and that the Terv listens to the pug’s concern.
yasijenny said,
August 18, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
Hello Barbara, what a great photograph! I would absolutely interrupt this interaction, if for no other reason than I would want to know that I could! If the play interrupted easily, and both the dogs were able to go from play to chill out pretty much instantly and easily, then that would make me feel more confident. But with this kind of size difference, over-excitement, especially the larger dog, can be so dangerous. This is just a still snap of excited dogs –whether this pose is more about play or more about prey seems a matter of degree, and how long this behavior has been going. If the behavior has escalated quickly, or just can’t calm down quickly, I’ll call a time out. The vulnerable, and nervous looking, pug needs some human support (as fair referree) to play with this Terv.
Anne said,
August 21, 2008 @ 10:33 pm
looks like a good game of chase and pounce - Terv is (obviously) bigger than the Frenchie and is pouncing on the little guy. I’d put a time out on these two before allowing further play
elkendog said,
August 23, 2008 @ 9:47 pm
I also would interrupt this play. I do not believe the terv means any harm but the pug, or likes like it could be a frenchie to me, does not appear to be comfortable with the play. They might be fine but I would sort of want to take a break with them anyway and then let them resume.
Wicked said,
September 9, 2008 @ 12:36 pm
I didn’t interrupt this. Maybe I should cause of the size difference but they had fun. Donna the Frenchie like to jump up on Chief. Finaly Chief responded and they had some fun for half a minute. Chief went to some other dog after this and Donna was left alne again, waiting for the next big dog to attack. Serious. I have never seen her play with a dog her own size. Most ig dogs do not respond on her. Like she doesn’t even exist. I am happy with moments like this.