This is a lovely example of a dog inviting another to play. Note the pricked up ears, the relaxed brow, body is erect but also relaxed, plus the jaunty tail. This is a happy, relaxed & full dog. The hops get progressively shorter as the husky gets nearer, and they never actually get up into the other dog’s space. The invitation is respectful.

The other dog is also giving good signals, similarly erect-but-relaxed stance with pricked up ears and waving tail. But the husky knows this can’t be assumed to be a resounding “yes”, it’s just an absence of a ‘no’. The husky waits for a clear ‘yes’, and the shepherd accepts the invitation and is the one to actually initiate play, with that front right paw.

Beautifully civilised interaction, with mutual respect on both sides. Wish more humans knew how to do this, too.

Writer: *finds really good dog behavior analysis in note* *goes to reblog* *reads header**reads url* *immediate concern and hesitation* *reblogs anyway*