Which behaviors are associated with OK play?

Which behaviors are associated with OK play?

• A. Growling and stiff body
• B. Running away in fear
• C. Standing rigidly apart
• D. Role reversal, mirror each other, take breaks, show a play bow, and a hip nudge

Answer: (D)

In OK play, the key idea is that both dogs actively and willingly participate, using signals that invite, acknowledge, and regulate the interaction without escalation. The best choice lists a set of well-known play cues: a play bow invites the other dog to start or continue playing; role reversal and mirroring show that either dog can lead or follow, keeping the interaction balanced; taking breaks lets each dog reassess comfort and consent; and a hip nudge is a gentle, engaging touch that keeps the interaction light and playful. Together, these signals create a friendly, cooperative back-and-forth that stays within the realm of play. The other options point to signals that are not play-focused: growling with a stiff body can indicate aggression or a tense threat; running away in fear signals avoidance and distress; standing rigidly apart shows disengagement or fear rather than an invitation to play.

In OK play, the key idea is that both dogs actively and willingly participate, using signals that invite, acknowledge, and regulate the interaction without escalation.

The best choice lists a set of well-known play cues: a play bow invites the other dog to start or continue playing; role reversal and mirroring show that either dog can lead or follow, keeping the interaction balanced; taking breaks lets each dog reassess comfort and consent; and a hip nudge is a gentle, engaging touch that keeps the interaction light and playful. Together, these signals create a friendly, cooperative back-and-forth that stays within the realm of play.

The other options point to signals that are not play-focused: growling with a stiff body can indicate aggression or a tense threat; running away in fear signals avoidance and distress; standing rigidly apart shows disengagement or fear rather than an invitation to play.