Canine Play: A Guide to Socialisation & Stress Signals
The Intricacies of Canine Play: A Comprehensive Guide
Among life's simple yet profoundly enriching joys, the sight of a dog completely absorbed in the ecstasy of play stands as a universally heartwarming experience. This captivating spectacle often leaves us pondering a fundamental, yet complex question: what underlying motivations drive our four-legged friends to engage so wholeheartedly and passionately in the act of play?
The Foundations of Socialisation in Puppies
In the beginning socialisation is crucial. When puppies frolic with their littermates, they're not merely engaging in frivolous activities; they're learning the subtle language of canines. These early interactions serve as the building blocks for future social skills, teaching them vital lessons in coordination and even the art of bite inhibition.
The Role of Toys in Canine Play
Toys are not just mere objects; they are instruments that facilitate various forms of canine play. From squeaky toys that stimulate a dog's predatory instincts to puzzle toys that engage their cognitive functions, the world of dog toys is as diverse as it is enriching. Always remember to consider the safety aspects of toys, ensuring they are appropriate for your dog's size and chewing habits.
The Science Behind Canine Play and Socialisation
Understanding the psychological aspects of socialisation and play is essential. Play is a complex psychological process that releases endorphins, contributing to a dog's emotional and physical well-being. It's a form of therapy, a natural antidepressant that enriches a dog's life in ways we are only beginning to understand. However, not all forms of play are created equal. Some dogs may exhibit what's known as the 'fool' response—a form of stress signal that may appear playful but is actually a cry for help. Being able to discern these displacement behaviours from play is essential for ensuring the well-being of your canine companion.
Inclusive Play for Dogs with Special Needs
In a world that often overlooks the vulnerable, it's crucial to remember that dogs with special needs also deserve the joy of play. Whether it's a dog with mobility issues or one dealing with emotional trauma, inclusive play is not just possible; it's necessary. Adapted toys and modified games can bring immense joy to these special canines, offering them a quality of life they richly deserve.
The Human-Canine Bond: Interactive Play
Embark on a Journey Today!
Interactive Play Guide
If this exploration of canine play and socialisation has piqued your interest, why not delve deeper? Sign up for our Interactive Play Guide, and unlock a world of understanding and joy with your furry friend.
Recent Posts From The Dog Blog
Follow Us
Exclusive News & Offers
Canine Principles
#Dog Skills For Humans
-
Canine Principles is a trading name of
CANINE PRINCIPLES LTDRegistered Company Number 11458645VAT Registration Number: GB300008875CPD Provider Registered Number: 60082The CPD Standards Office
Sit! Stay! Wait!
Remember To Enrol On
Your FREE Course
Loose Lead Walking
Help Centre
Qualifications Canine Principles is an AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group recognised centre and has been approved to deliver AIM Qualifications. AIM Are an awarding body recognised by Ofqual.
Each qualification carries an 8 digit qualification number that can be referenced against the existing qualification framework.
CPD courses are accredited by the CPD Standards Office.
Enrolled courses can be accessed anytime via the student dashboard. Once you are logged in to you account, select your course and you will be taken directly to the learning materials.
Online elements require an internet connection and suitable device.
Course(s) not showing on dashboard
Skill-Hub courses are only available while there is an active subscription. Check your account to show the most recent payments and membership expiry.
Occasionally, students have more than one account as they have signed up for a free course or newsletter with a different email. Contact us using the form to solve this issue.
Email not recognised
Check all spelling is correct. Check the email account for previous correspondence from Canine Principles. If everything seems normal, contact us using the form to solve this issue.
Password Reset
You can manage your password here.
Manage subscription
You can manage your subscription settings directly from your student account page.
The 3 day free trial requires credit/debit card details to begin. Your card will be billed automatically when the trial expires and every month subsequently.
You can manage your subscription here.
Self-paced - All CPD Diploma Courses, CPD Certificate Courses, Workshops, Webinars and Self Study Courses are completely self-paced learning with no deadlines for assessments or completion.
Qualifications - All regulated qualifications inherit a 2 year registration period. The cost of registration is included with initial enrolment. When the 2 year registration period expires, students may re-register for an registration fee. Fees vary by course. Please contact us for details.
Students are also encouraged to support each other through built in student community and private Facebook Study Group. where discussions and new information are shared daily.
Ask Us A Question
Student Guidelines
Welcome to Canine Principles
Each individual has their own strengths, weaknesses and acquired skills that will help or hinder in their study. This guide is intended as an example of best practice that can easily be included in your current study routine.
In 2014, A University of Illinois Study, led by Dr. Chuck Hillman, found that as little as 20 minutes of exercise can lead to better cognition and memory, and higher scores on tests and examinations. This is great news for dog owners and something that you can definitely take advantage of as a daily walker.
Limit Distractions
Distractions can easily break our train of thought or pull us away from study all together. Find a suitable place to study that is conducive to learning. Set some time aside, ask for some privacy and turn off your phone.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration contributes towards fatigue and poor memory. A 2012 study, conducted by the universities of East London and Westminster, found that results improved by an average of 10% when students kept hydrated throughout exams.
Read Out Loud
In 2015, Professor Victor Boucher of the University of Montreal completed research that suggested you are 50% more likely to remember information that has been read aloud than reading to yourself. You can either find a quiet place to read aloud to yourself or read directly to a friend or family member.
Teach as You Go
A step beyond reading aloud is to describe the lesson to somebody else. Try and make the subject understood and invite questions. If you don’t have the answer to the question, you have a new area of understanding to explore and study which will help to further your knowledge in a given subject.
Make Notes and Diagrams
Keep a pen and paper close to hand and be ready to note down specific areas of interest. Even if you are not artistic, a quick diagram that only you understand is a great aid to the memory and allows you to process the information in a different way.
Research
Even when you feel that you have fully understood a subject from the course material, take some time to research further by looking online, reading books or talking to others who are involved in the subject. The study group is a great place to meet like minded people who are also learning new topics.
Review
Going back over previous course topics and modules, with the benefit of newly acquired knowledge, can help us to understand the connection between subjects. If we only focus on one subject in isolation, the connection may never be made.
Create Flash Cards
Flashcards are a great way to test your knowledge. Write a subject on one side of the card and then explain the subject on the opposite side. You can either draw the cards randomly and test your own knowledge or ask a friend to help.
Assessments will begin by advising the maximum possible score for each section and how this score can be achieved. Every module has an overall pass mark of 80%. Whilst the pass score is 80%, any assessment that scores below this will be returned with constructive feedback. Feedback is intended to describe where further marks can be achieved. You can re-submit a revised assessment to improve your score.
Assessments that score between 80% and 100% will also be returned with feedback, however, there will be no further grading as the threshold for passing the module has been met.
Each assessment will be marked and returned within 3 - 5 days of receipt by your tutor. If you have submitted an assessment and have not received any correspondence within 4 days, contact us here, via email or the study group to confirm the assessment has been received.
When you choose to include external research as part of your assessment, it is important that the work is clearly referenced. If you have previously studied at a higher level, you will be aware that there are many ways to reference your research. For the purpose of Canine Principles assessments, we are happy for you to include your references at the end of each answer.
References from online research can be included as a link to the source of the information: