Socialising your puppy can be tricky – it’s even hard for humans, let’s be real. It feels like we have to wait light years before it’s ‘safe’ for them to go outside and meet other dogs. So what to do? Well, puppy play dates might just be the thing.
If you’re wondering if doggy play dates are the right thing for your pup, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re going to help you understand what dog play dates are, and go into the details of how long dogs should play together.
We’ll also get into why socialising your pup is so important, how to do it safely, and give you more tips on how to introduce your puppy to an older dog; who can actually be amazing teachers for your puppy on how to become a well-mannered, sociable dog.
Training starts at puppyhood. For the best tips on all things training, socialisation and more, you’ll want to download the Zigzag puppy app to not miss anything along the way. We’ll give you every lesson you need to teach your puppy the most essential life skills, and share all the socialisation advice you can get. Our team of professional puppy trainers are also reachable 24/7 via the in-app chat to help you along every step of the way.
What is a Dog Play Date?
Doggy play dates are what you think they are. It’s when one dog owner brings their dog over so that the dogs can play together, with supervised interaction. However, it’s important for the dogs to be a good match in terms of play style and size, so everything is safe, and goes smoothly.
A doggy play date can be a nice way to introduce a new puppy to your dog. It’s your job to keep everything controlled and fun for both of them. If you want to introduce a puppy to an older dog, this is even more critical, since the older dog might be enjoying their retirement and be a little grumpy in front of highly energetic and chirpy younger pups.
Why is it important to socialise your pup?
Socialisation is a critical process that teaches puppies about the world around them. It’s especially important in their first few months, since everything they learn then will have huge consequences on how they respond to it for the rest of their lives, whether they are scared or confident. Puppy play dates can help with socialising your puppy massively, as long as the experience is positive.
Read more in our article on socialization in puppies.
How do I introduce my dog to other dogs?
When introducing dogs to your puppy, you might want to look at it from another perspective; and ask yourself how this new dog might feel to your dog. Generally, if the other dog is known to be friendly, then their introductions will be relatively simple. However, we do recommend following these tips to help introductions go smoothly:
- Have the dogs meet on neutral territory, so neither feels protective or worried about the other dog coming into their space.
- Go for a walk together if possible, so the dogs can get to know each other like that.
- If your puppy can’t go for walks yet, then meet in a safe garden or yard – that will also work.
- If you’re thinking about how to introduce a new puppy to your dog, make sure you stay relaxed and reward your dog frequently for being around the other dog, so they build up positive associations.
- Prepare your home by putting your dog’s toys and treats away to prevent any potential resource guarding. Let’s face the challenges of ‘sharing’ another time.
- If the dogs are meeting on leash, keep their leashes relaxed and loose to prevent tightening up and having either dog feeling concerned.
Find much more information and tips in our article on how to introduce your puppy to other dogs.
What to look for in a puppy playdate?
Puppy play dates are sometimes organised at Vet Clinics or by professional dog trainers at puppy socialisation classes. These often offer a good balance of meeting other dogs as you have a professional near you to help out with playtime, and also give you tips and advice on what to do to make things run smoother.
- If you want to set up puppy play dates on your own, then reach out to people in your neighbourhood. Social media can do lots for you to help meet new people.
- Think about your puppy’s age. It’s typically better to introduce your puppy to a slightly older dog, as they’ll be better at teaching your puppy how to play appropriately.
- Different breeds will have different play styles too. For example, a Border Collie might not be a perfect match for your Bulldog, but a Staffie and a Bulldog could be a great match, as they have a special thing for wrestling. It also depends on the personalities and backgrounds of breeds!
When should I start puppy play dates?
This depends on who you are having the puppy play date with. A family member’s dog who is friendly with puppies and is fully vaccinated can meet your new puppy early on. Otherwise, it’s wise to wait until your puppy has had all their shots, and has seen other dogs from afar before starting play dates.
We’ve got more of this in our articles when can my puppy go for walks, and all about puppy vaccinations.
Preparing your puppy for a playdate
Here are the most important things to do when setting up a puppy play date and getting your puppy ready for the big occasion:
- Be sure they have seen other dogs first – Even if you walk them around in a sling-style puppy carrier so they get to see dogs from afar, booping with a completely new dog can be a little bit of a shock! Socialisation can also happen without having to play with other dogs; it’s just developing the thought that they aren’t scary. Helping them to look at dogs from far away and making this experience positive will help with this.
- Let your puppy approach off leash – Having the other dog on a loose and relaxed long leash means your puppy can get away if they feel scared and helps make the situation more manageable.
- Teach your puppy some basic cues – Being able to recall, know their name, or follow a food reward, means you can interrupt play if it gets a little bit crazy.
- Get your puppy vaccinated – Make sure your puppy has had all their shots makes play dates on neutral ground much easier!
Puppy play dates can be the best fun for everyone, and can be a great way for your puppy to learn about body language and social cues. Take care the play sessions don’t go on for too long, and all games stay fair and equal. If one puppy is constantly pinning the other one, they can learn bad habits that will be hard to overcome, since they’ll start thinking that it’s the right way to behave with other dogs.
For a structured training program, help with potty training, home alone skills, and socialisation advice and much more, download the Zigzag app. Our team of professional dog trainers are always available to help you through any of your puppy related training and behaviour questions. If people are not your thing (we understand), then talking to our chat tool Ziggy Ai just might be. Ziggy Ai is professionally trained and Zigzag approved!
FAQs:
How long should a dog playdate be?
Short and sweet to start. Especially if the dogs are just getting to know each other.
Should you limit puppy playtime?
Yes! When you’re on a puppy play date, interrupt play frequently so that the dogs don’t get too wound up. Too much rough play can lead to them getting overstimulated and excited. If playing gets to a point when neither of them knows when to stop, that’s when the famous saying ‘someone’s going to get hurt’ will come to mind.
Why is my dog so tired after a playdate?
They’ve drained their social battery, just like we do! A huge amount of learning goes on when dogs play with one another, as well as when your puppy is learning social cues and how to pay appropriately. Don’t be surprised if they get the zoomies during or after a play date too!
