Understanding Dog Behavior

Pit Bull behavior is like that of other canines. Every dog I've ever had has played like this, even my Golden Retrievers. The only difference I've noticed is they look meaner if you don't understand them and they are most definitely LOUDER.

Helen especially, wants to roughhouse at night on the back porch. We keep it at a few minutes or not at all since we don't want to be the scourge of the neighborhood.

Okay, here's the slide show. Underneath I have made comments on each frame. You can let me know if this helps your understanding of dog behavior through my contact me page or you can make requests for other picture pages like aggression or submission.

2. Notice the ears are back at the base. If they were forward, a fight would ensue. They begin by showing teeth.

3. and 4. We call this "Big Mouth". Notice they are not biting each other but rather making a competition as to who can open widest and look fiercest. Moo always wins. Again ears are back.

5. Lily is telling Moo, "Come back here and play!" Ears are back.

6. More big mouth

7. To make sure it stays in play mode, Lily is submitting by laying down. She loves being chewed on.

8. and 9. More big mouth

10. Helen playfully submitting

11. Big mouth

12. Submitting with playful attitude

13 Helen asking for more. The down position is submissive and playful, especially when front is down and butt is in the air. The dogs even do it to us to get our attention when they want us to play (or get their dinner).

14. and 15. More big mouth

16. Helen is getting tired as you can see by the tongue showing. She's also smiling. A very happy dog.

17. Playtime almost over, Moo is nibbling on Helen's ear as she smiles.

18. Moo trying to get just one more round out of Helen by inviting her to 'attack' him.

19. The last playful and gentle bite for the day. Both dogs have had a great workout and are ready for water and a snooze.

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21. Lily caught taking a nap.

22. Helen snoozing contentedly.

23. Helen was actually in my husband's arms, but I blacked him out so she appeared to be sitting in the director's chair.

24. Helen being happy, happy, happy!

I hope this helps with understanding dog behavior a bit more, especially dog body language.

I thank my husband for these pictures. These dogs move so fast when they play that it took Joey nearly a month to get enough pictures that were not blurry. Obviously "Big Mouth" is a favorite around here. The dogs keep them open while moving at lightening speed, often clanking their pearly whites together.

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