What does the dog play bow mean? Is it always a sign that everything is fun and friendly? Or can it sometimes mean a dog is stressed?
This episode breaks down the dog play bow and its role in dog body language. Learn how to spot play bows vs play bows with jumps (“forefoot stabs”), and the healthy pauses that dogs give when they’re play bowing to check-in with another dog or their owner.
0:00 What Does the Dog Play Bow Mean?
1:03 Play Bow as Invitation to Play
1:47 Play Bows with Jumps: Forefoot Stabs
2:43 Play Bows as “Pauses” in Healthy Dog Communication
3:50 When to Intervene & Call Dogs Off
6:26 Play Bows in Dog-Owner Play
(coming soon! publishes on YouTube on 10/6/26)
📖 FREE eBook! Real Reason Your Dog Humps (and How to Stop It) The Embarrassed Dog Owner’s Science-Backed Guide to Understand Dog Humping, Decode Body Language, & Train the Hump Away Without Punishment
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Disclaimers: Jenna Romano is not a veterinarian. Always consult a veterinarian. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. This episode is for entertainment purposes only. Jenna Romano will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this episode including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death to you or your dog. This video is not instructional.
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