Dogs and learning to play fair

Watching the dogs play at the dog park is one of the great joys of my day. It is so much fun to see them run, romp and rumble. I thought dogs just played, but recent research suggests there was a great deal more going on than I had suspected.

Honest communication is a central tenet of canine society. Canids (animals in the dog family) follow a strict code of conduct when they play, which teaches pups the rules of social engagement that allows their society to succeed. There are four general rules to prevent play from escalating into fighting.

Communicate clearly: I have observed dogs bowing to each other by crouching on their front legs while standing on their hind legs. This is known as the play bow, and it indicates that the dog wants to romp. Bows are used almost exclusively during play, and they always look the same, so the message is “come play with me.”

Mind your manners: Animals consider their play partners’ abilities and engage in self-handicapping and role reversing to create and maintain equal footing. This rule is easy to see in action when an adult dog is playing with a pup or a big dog with a tiny one. The dominant dog will take turns letting the other dog win. It’s really cute to see the big dogs give in to a little guy.

Admit when you are wrong: When play gets out of hand and a dog misbehaves, he apologizes. After an intense bite, a bow sends the message, “Sorry I bit you so hard, I was just playing. Don’t leave; I’ll play fair.” For play to continue, the aggrieved dog must forgive the offender. Forgiveness is almost always offered; understanding and tolerance are abundant in play.

Be honest: Apologies must be sincere. If an individual continues to play unfairly or sends dishonest signals they will be ostracized. This has grave consequences in the wild as an individual alone will perish quickly.

Basic rules guide social play and are the foundation of fairness. It seems our dogs have figured it out. We humans could learn a lot just by following dog play

WHO’S WHO AT CAPS?

Flower Tree Nursery is again raffling a 15-gallon Christmas tree. The drawing date is Dec. 6, and the winner doesn’t have to be present to win. With Christmas on the way, they have beautiful, living Christmas trees. A living tree is great because you can enjoy it indoors decorated and then move it outdoors to enjoy for years. The raffle tickets are available at Flower Tree, and they are $1 for one ticket and $5 for six tickets. Be sure to get your tickets soon. We thank and applaud Flower Tree Nursery for their dedication to our no-kill shelter. You are the best!

WHO’S new AT CAPS’ zoo?

Are you looking for that special someone who will greet you with a happy face and wagging tail? Look no further because we have the buddy for you. Kwame is a beautiful Labrador- pointer cross. He is a young three-year-old who is looking for a home with children and other dogs. Make this a thankful Thanksgiving for your family and come by to meet Kwame.

We have two adorable puppies and three playful kitties ready for new homes. Policy, however, prohibits adopting out puppies or kittens under the age of six months to a home with children under five years of age. This is to protect both the children and the animal.

CAPS’ NEWS AND EVENTS

Our 2016 Happy Endings calendar has arrived. It can be purchased at the following locations: Mutts Etc, 3-Dimension Shipping, Flower Tree Nursery, and the CAPS shelter.

CAPS will be at Walmart on Nov. 21, along with Ki and Urtle at our Kissin’ Booth. Come by and give our boys a big hug and kiss. We have the 2016 Happy Endings calendar, shirts and caps, so please check them out before or after greeting our canine volunteers.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnv.org) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are really likable.

Do you have questions, comments or a great story? Contact me jkwmil@outlook.com.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, contributed this week’s column.