Glossary

Play bow

A posture in which a dog lowers its front legs and chest while keeping its rear up, signalling an invitation to play.

Also called: play-bow, bow, front down rear up

The play bow is one of the clearest dog signals. The dog stretches its front legs forward, drops its chest to the ground and lifts its rear, often with a wagging tail and a relaxed face. It means "what I do next is play".

Dogs use it to start a game and to restart one after a rough moment, such as a hard bite or chase. It lets them tell a friend that a nip or growl was meant as fun.

A bow is not a stretch if it is directed at another dog or person and comes with bouncy movement. It is different from a stiff stance or a stare. Watch the whole body: a dog may play-bow and then turn tense, in which case the play is over.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Play Voluntary, energetic and usually social activity that dogs do for fun, including chasing, wrestling, tugging and bowing. Zoomies Sudden bursts of frantic running and circling, often after a bath or a long rest, which are normal and harmless in healthy dogs. Tail wagging A dog's tail movement, which signals arousal and emotion but does not mean a dog is friendly. Calming signals Subtle behaviors such as yawning, turning away and sniffing that dogs are said to use to ease tension and avoid conflict.