We've all seen it, Buster, the 18 month old Labrador. He's on his way to the park dragging his owner who can barely keep up, behind him on a lead. He's so excited that when he reaches the gate his owner can hardly get the lead off him. The second the lead is removed he races off, breaking a land speed record, straight into a group of dogs bowling them and their owners over. Another group of dogs capture Buster's attention and he dashes off to another area of the park leaving the bewildered dogs and owners in his wake. It seems Buster is on a mission to meet everyone at the park as quickly as possible.

He grabs dog's toys, taunts them, body slams and jumps all over his new found "friends", some who turn and growl or snap at him. He's oblivious to it all. Dog owners look anxiously over at Busters parents who simply smile and say "It's OK, he's only playing, he's just so happy to meet with other dogs". He may be only playing but a rude obnoxious dog only alienates those around him, human and canine. Now that's no way to make good friends

Buster's brand of play is unpleasant for most dogs. His hyperactivity and steamrolling gets him into trouble, and if he makes a new found friend he can't calm himself down enough to play nicely, so he bites chases and body slams, over and over again. This makes his friend nervous and he tries to tone Buster down a notch with submissive body language such as rolling on his side or back, tucking his tail underneath him or licking at Buster's mouth. When this fails Buster's friend becomes even more nervous and resorts, in self-defense, to threats such as growling, baring teeth or snapping the air. When Buster fails to recognize or simply ignores these cues a fight is sure to break out.

Buster has poor social skills and comes on way too strong. He is often unable to read the subtleties of dog body language much less deliver appropriate body language himself. Dogs, like humans, need to get to know one another before engaging in rough play. Buster would do well to engage in little precursory bum sniffing and play bowing before releasing his onslaught onto some poor, non-consenting dog.

When dogs play normally their body language includes play bows, happy faces, paw raises and clumsy, bouncy style movements. There are also frequent role reversals during fair play, play biting one and chasing another, just to name a few.

When observing dogs play, watch their body language and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is my dog over-excited and/or annoying other dogs? 2. Is my dog the target of over-excited and/or annoying dogs? 3. Does my dog look scared or intimidated? 4. Does my dog's 'playmate' look scared or intimidated?

If you answer yes to any of the questions above, act swiftly to avoid the play spilling over into a fight. Remove your dog from the situation. If your dog is on the receiving end talk to the owner of the other dog, politely of course, and explain that your dog is uncomfortable or scared. If your dog is the perpetrator try removing him from the situation, distracting him, giving him a time out or, when all else fails, take him home.

Help is here NOW for dogs like buster. Talk to your trainers today and get the support you need to make buster a happy comfortable dog around the home and one who fits into the community.