Ten Tips for a Successful Doggy Playdate

Photos by Alvan Nee on Unsplash

Playdates for dogs are an increasingly popular calendar staple for dog owners. The fact that the most sociable of animals like to socialize should not come as a big surprise. But there is, of course, far more to a successful get-together than simply unleashing a kennel full of canines into your backyard!

Our ten tips will help ensure that your pooch party goes with a woof rather than a snarl.

1. Do Not Invite Enemies!

The guest list is possibly the most obvious party-success factor of them all, but it is one that often gets ignored. For example, your friend might have a Jack Russell that your Labradoodle simply hates. However, inviting your friends and their dogs is an obvious thing to do when arranging a doggy date. A territorial or bad-tempered dog that does not get along with your pet is not going to be the heart and soul of your doggy date. Of course, your own dog needs to be a sociable hound host, too.

2.  Avoid Inconsistencies in Age and Size of Breed

Dogs tend to play best with friends of their own size and of a similar age. An older dog does not want to be harassed by a bunch of excitable puppies, and a small terrier does not always want to be stalked by an enthusiastic pack of Retrievers. An overweight or arthritic dog may suffer, too – they may want to keep up with the others, so as not to miss out on the fun, which may result in more harm than good.

The exception to the rule is when dogs already know each other. If you know they are friends already, invite them – although you still need to watch out for the reactions of the other guests.

3. Keep the Numbers Down

The difference between a happy group of dogs and a rowdy pack is a fine line. As a rule of thumb, keep the number of dogs to six or below on a doggy date, to keep things under control.

4. Invite Humans too!

A doggy date is not an excuse for owners to leave their dogs in a doggy daycare for a couple of hours. It only works if the owners are present; and an owner who brings more than one dog should, ideally, bring more than one human too.

5. Make Sure There is Plenty of Space 

There are all kinds of places you can hold a doggy playdate, whether indoors or outdoors, and the guest list should match the space. Six Huskies in a kitchen is not going to work, and open gates or gaps in a fence are just asking for trouble. You will also need to dog-proof the room or the backyard, removing access to anything that is fragile, toxic, edible, or out-of-bounds for whatever reason. The host dog and its guests should not have their own toys or bones lying around, either – all available toys should be neutral. If the host dog is very territorial, it simply is not going to work unless you arrange the playdate in a neutral space.

6. Meet and Greet

The dogs should all be formally introduced before the doggy date begins, even if they have met before. Owners should have their pets on a leash, and the dogs should be made to sit in a semicircle so they can all see each other. They can then mingle on loose leashes. Only when everything is looking sociable should the dogs be let off the leash completely. Any dissenters will have to be kept on a leash until they get into the spirit of the party. If, for whatever reason, one of the doggy guests falls out with another, it should be led quietly away on a leash until the situation has calmed down.

7. Allow Downtime

Some dogs have more energy, patience, or bravery than others. On a doggy date, it always helps to have a hideaway where a dog that needs to catch its breath can take time out. For smaller dogs, this can be the owner’s arms. Larger dogs will need a quiet corner, indoors or out. In a larger backyard, they will be able to find their own space to chill. Dogs are very good at body language, and the others will recognize that the resting dog is doing just that, and not playing hide and seek.

8. Provide Refreshments

Busy dogs will need to drink, so one or more drinking bowls is essential. A supply of treats will keep the edge off their appetites too.

9. Play Some Party Games

Games of fetch, hide and seek, sit and wait, agility tests, or obstacle courses are all great ways to keep the party happy and active. Treats can be used as prizes!

10. Avoid Too Much Sun

If it is a really hot day, an outdoor doggy date will need a lot of shade, a lot of water, and should involve only the very fittest dogs. Heat can be a health hazard for weaker animals. Remember – you can always postpone.

This entry was posted in Dogs