Play display

Ambivalent behaviour exhibited in reaction to a threat or a stressor. The dog exhibits behaviours similar to play: approach and retreat, swaying and wavering, tail wagging. May be associated with barking.
(Capra, 2011)

This female Rough Collie has reacted to the approach and unrelenting courtship behaviours of the mixed breed male with a play display.

VIDEO

large screen
The male Border Collie exhibits a threat display toward the dogs present in the sheep fold, displaying an agonistic pucker and growling. The female Pyrenean Mountain Dog, the mother of the litter of puppies, reacts with a "play display": she wags her tail, moves closer, bows, swerves to the side, retreats and then leaves. One of the puppies exhibits a bow, then retreats, while another puppy lies down and the puppy with grey patches on his head stares at the Border Collie.

piloerection<>playing with objects