How to Choose the Right Friend For Your Dog
Seven signs your pup and their pal have BFF potential
Much like with people, you can’t just put any two dogs together and expect them to strike up a friendship. Even if you think a pair of dogs would play great together, ultimately, the dogs will decide if they’re going to be BFFs – or just tolerate each other. That said, if you check off these seven compatibility points, the two pups could be bonding in no time.
1. Do they have compatible play styles?
Sure, most dogs love to play, but they may not play the same way. Some dogs love to play chase, running back and forth with one another endlessly, while others engage in rough and tumble wrestling or stalking games. Some dogs are much calmer in their play, preferring to gently bat at each other or bounce around, while others slam into one another, both while running or grappling in place.
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opens in a new tabNo one play style is any better than another, but the dogs need to be compatible. They don’t necessarily need to have the same favourite play style, as long as there’s one they mutually enjoy. What you don’t want is one dog trying to play chase while the other dog is trying to wrestle. Play sessions only go well if the playmates are on the same page.
2. Are they similar in size?
Dogs certainly don’t have to be the same size to be great friends and play buddies, but there are some advantages to being in the same general range. When dogs are well-matched in size, there’s a lower chance of injuries. This means dogs who are similar in size can can play without having to hold back – they don’t have to take it easy, as they would for a much smaller play partner.
That said, some of the best dog friends in the world are wildly different in size, with the bigger dog being an expert at matching the smaller dog’s level. It’s cute to watch a huge dog play with a small dog while lying down – as long as both dogs are having fun and not putting each other at risk.
3. Are they close in age?
Dogs don’t need to be the same age (or even close in age) to have a great time playing together, but age is still a consideration. Compatibility in exuberance, persistence and energy levels is always a plus, and age influences those factors. The biggest issue with dogs of very different ages is that younger dogs often want to play much longer, even after an older dog has had enough.
Pairing a senior dog with a youngster who wants to play morning, noon and night can lead to problems. At a minimum, the young dog may become sad and disappointed, and perhaps even tentative about initiating future play with the older dog. Or worse: the younger dog may refuse to give up, upsetting the older dog, who may become aggressive to let the pesky, persistent younger dog know they’re being rudeopens in a new tab. Many dogs of mixed ages get along beautifully, but it’s essential to protect a senior from a youngsteropens in a new tab who won’t take no for an answer.
4. Do both pet parents have similar views about play?
A good play session isn’t just about the dogs: pet parents also play a role in its success. There are decisions to be made when dogs play together, and it’s best if both people feel the same way about them. Is it OK if treats are available? How about toys? Are you in agreement about what constitutes appropriate playopens in a new tab? What sorts of behaviours will prompt you (or them) to intervene, and require the dogs to take a break? Will you both pay attention and monitor the play, or does the other person feel that ignoring the dogs is a better strategy? Or worse: if problems arise, do they think dogs need to ‘work it out themselves’?
5. Does the other dog play nicely?
Some dogs can play exuberantlyopens in a new tab and with great energy, but if both dogs are willing participants having a good time, that’s a good sign. If, on the other hand, your dog finds the other dog scary or overwhelming, that’s not OK. Dogs who are relentless, pushy or rude are not playing nicely, and they don’t make the best play buddies. Even if your pup isn’t frightened, it makes sense to protect them from bad-mannered play. Not only can it lead to situations that are not fun, but it can also teach a dog that such behaviour is acceptable.
6. Does the other dog have any bad habits?
As social animals, dogs do learn from one another, including during play. Like children who act out after spending time with an unruly friend, dogs also pick up bad habits from other dogs. Such contagious behaviour can include barking at passersby, running along a fence growlingopens in a new tab and lunging at a dog on the other side, digging and howlingopens in a new tab. Sometimes, people are quick to assume that their young dog picked up an unfortunate behaviour from a play buddy when the dog likely developed those behaviours on their own. But there’s no doubt that dogs can acquire bad habits from other dogs, so choosing play buddies who don’t exhibit these behaviours is a wise idea.
7. Does your dog like the other dog?
Is the other dog one your dog is interested in and wants to play with? The heart wants what the heart wants, and one of the best reasons to choose a play buddy for your dog is that your dog loves the other dog. As long as there are no red flags, why not choose to have play dates with the dog that makes your dog the happiest and most eager to play?
Safety reminder
Collars (and, to a lesser degree, harnessesopens in a new tab) can be trouble for playing dogs. Teeth and buckles get caught (or tags twist together) and before you know it, both dogs are freaking out, unable to separate. They can hurt themselves or the other dog in their struggle. You can reduce the risk by simply removing collars at playtime.
