Dogs may invite play with a bow, bouncy approach, toy presentation, brief chase movement or loose sideways motion. An invitation becomes play only when the other dog chooses to respond.
Start with the full picture
Watch both dogs and leave room for refusal. Excitement from the inviter does not cancel avoidance, stillness or retreat from the recipient.
What to compare
| Observation | What to note |
|---|---|
| Inviter | Are movements loose, exaggerated and interruptible? |
| Recipient | Does the other dog approach, bow or re-engage voluntarily? |
| Space | Can either dog leave without being chased? |
A low-pressure next step
Allow a brief response window and call the inviter away when the other dog does not engage. Do not repeatedly place dogs together to encourage friendship.
Example in context
One dog bows and runs a short curve, then pauses. The other sniffs and walks away; the invitation was clear, and the lack of response should end it.
When to ask for help
Repeated inability to accept another dog's refusal needs qualified training support. Sudden social changes or pain during play need veterinary assessment.
Sources and limits
Dogs Trust: understanding dog body language provides background for reading this pattern. Signals vary by dog, health, history and situation; the page does not diagnose an emotion from one movement. This guide is an observation aid, not a diagnosis or a promise that every dog uses the signal in the same way.