Questions about play

[Jessica]

So I’m having trouble understanding Amelia’s play language. She does not play with toys like my previous bun did. She is very much acting like she wants to play with me but I can’t figure out what she wants.

I will be down on the floor playing fought with Zilla my dog (4.5lb chin poo mix) and he loves to play rough, I will gently push him away and he comes running back, I will tap/push the sides of his face, he will grab my hoodie sleeve and tug, normal pup play. When we are doing this Amelia gets super excited, she’s darting in trying to join, binking, honking and grunting. Al while running up to us running away and coming back,, with lots of binkies. I know she is having fun, but this is very much “predator” style of play. I’m worried about scaring her and hurting the bond she has with both me and the dog.

I’m assuming she is just trying o copy how the dog is playing, she copies everything he does, it’s totally monkey see monkey do. She asks to be picked up the same way he does, chases after toys with him and mimics his tricks to get treats.

Is playing with her this way ok? Any suggestions for other types of play to try?

Thanks everyone

[Tay]

I can’t answer your question, but I can say that my bun is similar to this. I’m always super cautious around Charlie afraid I’m going to hurt her but my 2 year old cousin comes up and jumps around and she gets so excited and jumps around with him – she loves him. Maybe they just like a lot of excitement? I’m not sure but I see it in my bun too!

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