Whether you are a type of puppy owner who constantly hovers around your pooch, or you have a more relaxed approach to parenting a young dog, the first playdate is always a tricky business and it requires a little bit of both methods.
Sure, dogs are friendly animals and playing usually comes naturally for the little rascals, but your role is crucial in making sure his first playdate goes well.
The Right Venue For The Dance
Dana Fedman, a certified professional dog trainer and the owner of Pupstart Family Dog Training in Central Iowa suggests you should “find a safe, fenced area on private property.”
“Allow the puppies to do the ‘Dance of the Leash,’ letting them move toward or away and sniff each other nose to rear, without interference from a taut leash.
If both puppies assume the pounce position after a few seconds, they’re ready to play and you can remove the leash to let them interact,” says Fedman.
Disposition
Fedman also advises to do your best when it comes to matching up puppy personalities, if possible of course.
“If one is shy and timid and the other is overbearing, the timid one can easily become frightened and forevermore be fearful of strange dogs. By the same token, a too-bold first encounter could encourage a puppy to grow up to be a bully,” says Fedman.
Age & Size
Generally, puppies which are around the same age (especially those younger than 6 months) will interact well with one another.
As far as size is concerned, it is probably not the best idea to let a tiny Chihuahua pup play with a huge Mastiff. However, if their energy levels match, as well as their personalities, they’ll be ok.
Failure In Initial Interaction
If the first interaction doesn’t go as expected, separate the puppies immediately and walk them away from each other. Try again in a few minutes. If the second attempt fails as well, the dogs are simply not right for each other and you should discontinue that playdate.
“Pay attention and be prepared to step in if play gets too rough. Like human children, puppies can get overexcited, and that’s when a good playdate can go bad. Sometimes you need to intervene and give them little breaks,” advises Collins, a certified professional dog trainer and the owner of Collins Canine dog training in Chicago.