At Best Friends Furever, our Social Group program is designed to be an energetic, social, and enriching experience for dogs who love to play with others. But sometimes, a dog’s behavior tells us that this fast-paced environment isn’t the right fit — and that’s when our Play My Way program steps in. Here’s a look at the common behaviors we watch for, what they mean for the group, and how Play My Way supports more productive play.
1. Snapping
What it is: A quick, sharp warning — usually with no contact — when a dog feels threatened, overstimulated, or wants space.
What it does to the group: Snapping can quickly escalate tension. Other dogs may respond defensively, leading to scuffles or anxiety within the group. It also creates a ripple of unease among playmates, even those not directly involved.
Why Play My Way helps: In Play My Way, dogs are removed from the high-energy group setting and given space to decompress. With a slower pace, individualized attention, and fewer social pressures, they can regain emotional balance and confidence.
2. Mounting
What it is: One dog climbs onto another, often during play, out of excitement, arousal, or an attempt to control the interaction.
What it does to the group: Mounting can be disruptive and is rarely welcomed by the other dog. It often sparks irritation or retaliation, turning play into conflict. It also throws off the group’s social rhythm and can create pack-like tension.
Why Play My Way helps: Play My Way reduces overstimulation. By slowing things down and redirecting energy through personalized engagement, we help dogs reset their social skills and reduce arousal-based behaviors.
3. Tagging and Chasing
What it is: High-speed chasing or constant “tag” behavior, sometimes with nipping at heels or flanks.
What it does to the group: This kind of play is only fun if both dogs are enjoying it. When one dog is overwhelmed, it turns into harassment. Over time, it can create anxiety in the group and lead dogs to avoid or shut down.
Why Play My Way helps: With a more controlled environment, dogs learn appropriate pacing and how to read cues better. Play My Way allows for gentle guidance, structured outlets for energy, and human-facilitated play that prioritizes consent and comfort.
4. Stalking
What it is: A dog fixates on another with intense focus, often crouching low and slowly approaching in a predatory fashion. While it may seem playful at first, it can escalate quickly and lead to an aggressive or overly intense interaction.
What it does to the group: Stalking behavior can create unease, especially in more sensitive or less confident dogs. It disrupts the natural flow of group play and may escalate into chasing or snapping. Dogs on the receiving end often feel targeted, which can lead to anxiety or defensive behavior.
Why Play My Way helps: Play My Way deconstructs intense interactions and encourages more balanced social behavior. With close supervision and redirection, we help stalking-prone dogs refocus, build softer play skills, and learn more appropriate ways to engage.
5. Barking
What it is: Constant or intense vocalizing directed at dogs or handlers — often a result of frustration, overstimulation, or attention-seeking.
What it does to the group: Excessive barking increases arousal levels throughout the group. It can confuse or agitate other dogs and interfere with our ability to maintain calm, focused play.
Why Play My Way helps: In a quieter setting, dogs receive more targeted engagement and training to reduce vocalizing. They learn that calm behavior brings attention, not barking.
6. Overstimulation
What it is: A dog that becomes too excited too quickly — unable to respond to cues, take breaks, or settle down. This can show up as jumping, spinning, barking, nipping, or ignoring social signals.
What it does to the group: Overstimulated dogs often spark chaos. Their energy can spread through the group like wildfire, causing other dogs to escalate, triggering a breakdown in group control.
Why Play My Way helps: Play My Way is designed to dial things back. With smaller groups or one-on-one care, dogs are coached through calmer activities, building the skills to self-regulate and enjoy play without going over threshold.
Why This Transition Matters
We don’t believe in forcing dogs into one-size-fits-all play. When we move a dog from Social Group to Play My Way, we’re not labeling them “bad” — we’re recognizing their individual needs and making a proactive choice to support their long-term success.
Our goal is to make sure every dog is healthy, happy, and safe — physically, emotionally, and socially. Play My Way is our way of saying, “We see you, and we’re here to help you thrive.”
Through Play My Way, we can meet each dog where they are — helping them build confidence, feel secure, and express themselves in ways that are positive and safe.
Every dog deserves to be seen and supported. That’s what Play My Way is all about.