What is Pigging with Dogs? Understanding Canine Play Behavior
"Pigging" with dogs isn't a formally recognized term in canine behavior literature. It's likely a colloquialism or a descriptive term used by dog owners to describe a specific type of playful interaction. To understand what it might mean, we need to break down the possible interpretations based on common dog behaviors.
Most likely, "pigging" refers to rough-and-tumble play where dogs engage in boisterous, seemingly aggressive interactions. This might involve:
- Wrestling: Dogs playfully grappling, pinning each other down, and mounting. This is often accompanied by playful growls and barks, which are not indicators of true aggression in a play context.
- Chasing: Dogs running after each other, often with sudden changes in direction and playful nipping.
- Mouthing/Nipping: Gentle biting and nipping at each other's necks, legs, or ears. The key here is the lack of serious aggression. Play biting is typically soft and lacks the intensity of a real bite.
- Body Slamming: Dogs might playfully "body slam" each other, playfully falling on top of one another.
Differentiating Play from Aggression:
It's crucial to distinguish playful "pigging" from genuine aggression. Play fighting typically involves:
- Bowing: Dogs often exhibit a "play bow" – a lowered front end with their rear end raised – before initiating play.
- Open Mouths, Loose Jaws: Playful nips are characterized by loose jaws and open mouths, unlike the tight-jawed, clamped-down bite of aggression.
- Yielding: During playful interactions, dogs will take turns being the "attacker" and the "defender." They will show signs of submission, such as rolling onto their backs or avoiding the other dog.
- Alternating Roles: The dogs will switch roles frequently; one dog will "attack," and then the other will "attack" back. This constant role reversal is a key indicator of play.
- Exaggerated Movements: Play often involves exaggerated movements, such as high leaps and bouncy runs, which can seem aggressive to an untrained eye.
When to Worry:
While playful "pigging" is normal and healthy, it's essential to watch for signs that it might be escalating into aggression:
- Stiff Body Language: A rigid body posture, tucked tail, pinned ears, and whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes) indicate tension and potential aggression.
- Hard Bites: If the nipping or biting becomes hard, with the dog's teeth clearly making contact, it's a serious cause for concern.
- Lack of Play Signals: The absence of play bows or other play signals indicates a lack of playful intent.
- Continued Aggression After Signals: If one dog is showing signs of submission or attempting to disengage and the other continues its aggressive behavior, this is a significant red flag.
- Growls without Play: Growls without the context of play are concerning.
If you're unsure whether your dogs' "pigging" is playful or aggressive, it's best to consult a veterinarian or a certified dog behaviorist. They can help you interpret your dogs' body language and ensure their interactions remain safe and healthy. Early intervention is crucial if aggression is a concern.
