Why does my dog…stalk other dogs?

Does your dog like to play with other dogs?

Janet’s dog is a gorgeous, friendly lump who just loves people and most other dogs. Usually he plays well, but she asked me about some behaviour she wasn’t happy about. Her dog will sometimes drop low and stalk other dogs. When he stalks, Janet thinks he looks different than when he’s playing nicely. 

There’s nothing better than watching two dogs have fun together. Until puppies reach maturity (usually between 18 months and 2 years old, though this is breed dependent), most of them love to play with other dogs.

Good dog play can teach young dogs valuable lessons.  Play allows them to learn and practice bite inhibition, help develop good communication skills, and encourages friendly responses to other dogs. As dogs mature, they are less likely and less keen to play with unknown dogs. They may have a couple of friends they enjoy playing with, but that’s enough for them.

There’s a fine line between relaxed, fun play and inappropriate behaviour.  All play, right from the very start, should be carefully monitored. Play can be good, questionable or inappropriate and all owners need to know and recognise the difference.

Stalking falls into all these categories. So, what is stalking?

Stalking is when a dog fixates on another dog (or sometimes human, or other animal.) They’ll stare fixedly at their target, lower their body, then move slowly, creeping towards the object of their focus. It can end with the dog pouncing on top of their prey, biting, wrestling or chasing.

It’s part of the prey sequence – stare, stalk, chase, grab, kill – in dogs. Stalking is more common in certain breeds, especially the herding breeds. Some dogs may stalk on lead walks when they see any other dog. Or when play becomes too intense or the dog is over-aroused. 

So, stalking may be innocent play. Or it can lead to trouble and fights and the “stalkee” can be damaged and even killed. You need to recognise when stalking might be OK and when it isn’t. 

I stalk Gus every morning. Once I’ve fed the birds, we have a routine where he grabs a small stick then play bows and looks at me expectantly. I stare back then approach him very slowly (stalking) – then we have a great game of chase around our courtyard. He loves it – and he always wins of course.

“Play ambush” is when one dog stops, stalks, then pounces as the other passes. If both dogs are relaxed and appear happy and loose-bodied it may well be just innocent play. But it can very quickly become a form of bullying.

If the other dog looks worried, pulls away, or play has become too intense, or arousal levels have gone right up, or your dog is stalking a small furry animal, you need to act. Defuse the situation by interrupting the interaction, moving your dog away, and giving him time to calm down.

Keep training,

Carol

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