Not all prompts will be suitable for all dog-human relationships. For example, some dogs may not feel safe playing, or they might have health issues limiting play. In addition, your surroundings need to be considered—play may not be safe on all surfaces (e.g., slippery surfaces, around other dogs who may get over-excited, etc.). Older dogs, dogs with health issues, and dogs who are uncomfortable with human touch or play may not enjoy some of these prompts. It is up to the participants to use their knowledge and understanding of their dogs to ensure safety.
Before beginning, please review these two websites, which outline common behaviours and expressions that dogs’ use when nervous and/or fearful:
https://ontariospca.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Canine-ladder-of-aggression.pdf
https://vcacanada.com/know-your-pet/signs-your-dog-is-stressed-and-how-to-relieve-it
If, at any point during the study, you or your dog are not enjoying the proposition, please do not continue.
[September 9 to October 13th]
Initiate play with your dog using sound. Pay attention to which words and pitches work.
Collaboration request: Record a clip of you successfully initiating play with your dog. Send in only the noise that made the play successful.