What can be a result of a dog exhibiting a 'soft mouth' during play?

A dog exhibiting a 'soft mouth' during play indicates that it is displaying a gentle bite or grip, often seen in well-socialized dogs. This behavior signifies that the dog understands the appropriate pressure to use when interacting with others, particularly during play. By having a soft mouth, the dog can engage more safely with other dogs or even humans, minimizing the risk of causing injury while still enjoying the play experience. This trait promotes positive interactions and fosters healthy, playful relationships between dogs and with their owners.

In contrast, the other options suggest negative outcomes or misunderstandings about canine behavior. For instance, suggesting that a dog with a soft mouth might injure itself overlooks the nature of its controlled bite. Similarly, claiming that such a dog is more likely to show aggression misinterprets the gentle intent behind the soft mouth behavior, and indicating that the dog does not understand boundaries fails to recognize that a soft mouth often emerges from a keen awareness of and respect for social cues in canine interaction.