First playdate what to watch out for

[danyp1]

Hi!
I finally found someone close to my house who has a german shep. puppy 16 weeks old. Sam is 13 weeks old. We are going to a local park to have our first playdate. She has never seen this dog. But she did well at the puppy class with the other puppies a bit reserved at first but was getting more comfortable at the end.
So I was wondering what to look out for. Warning signs or other signs of stress.. If the first playdate does not work out should you try again. Or better let it be. Sam is female and the other pup male. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

My first dog was on the bold side (male shep.) but Sam is so shy towards other dogs so I do not want to make it worst by pushing her too much

[Rott-Wiley]

Is there a reason you want her to "play" with other dogs? It should be fine to just have her work around other dogs in training class.

[Carina43]

Just watch for really aggressive playing, or one pup bullying another and not letting up! At that age, as long as they are both well adjusted puppies, they should get along really well.

[LavenderRott]

I agree with Carina. Just a couple of weeks ago, Chase, Missy and Cooper played a rousing game of tag in my house. I think that every once in a while they should be able to play doggy games together.

[danyp1]

Originally posted by Rott-Wiley
Is there a reason you want her to "play" with other dogs? It should be fine to just have her work around other dogs in training class.

I kinda want her to have a doggie friend. And since they are living close by I thought it would be a good oppertunity for her to socialize with the puppy.. If they play together fine. As I said I do not want to push her into anything. I just figured it might be nice to have a maybe permanent play friend. Since I do not know anyone around here with dogs or puppies.

[Carina43]

Just so you know - there is a school of thought that dogs do not "need" to play with other dogs, ever. And, I suppose they don't NEED to, but most sure have fun playing with other dog friends.

I think it's wonderful for two friendly dogs to be able to romp and wear each other out! :D I forgot to add, don't introduce food of any kind to their play sessions, at least not at first. Some pups can turn into snarling meanies over food.

[spidey]

I think it's wonderful for two friendly dogs to be able to romp and wear each other out!

I totally agree, I think it really enhances their lives to have doggy friends, and nothing gets a dog tired like a good romp with another dog.

[lblax]

Originally posted by Carina43
Just so you know - there is a school of thought that dogs do not "need" to play with other dogs, ever. And, I suppose they don't NEED to, but most sure have fun playing with other dog friends.

yes and it is an excellant school of thought...once the puppy leaves the litter he has learned all he can learn from another dog other than of course bad habits.. he belongs in the human pack along with other animals that belong in the same household human pack .... everything in life comes from this pack they dont need outside doggy playmates

[LavenderRott]

I suppose that Chases doesn't need to play with other dogs, but she certainly does enjoy playing with them. I don't need to watch t.v. either, but I certainly do enjoy it.

[danyp1]

Originally posted by lblax
yes and it is an excellant school of thought...once the puppy leaves the litter he has learned all he can learn from another dog other than of course bad habits.. he belongs in the human pack along with other animals that belong in the same household human pack .... everything in life comes from this pack they dont need outside doggy playmates

In Sams case since she is already a bit shy would that not benefit her if she had a dog she can play with a puppy once a week or so.. I do plan on continued ob. once she is out of the puppy class. I also assumed when they are a bit dog shy nothing is better than (controlled) exposure to make them more comfortable around dogs. Any commends welcomed..

[Rott-Wiley]

I don't believe they need actual contact with other dogs especially ones they don't live with. Sure they may enjoy playing with another dog but I would much rather they enjoy doing something with me and I can sneak in some training at the same time.

[lblax]

Originally posted by danyp1
In Sams case since she is already a bit shy would that not benefit her if she had a dog she can play with a puppy once a week or so.. I do plan on continued ob. once she is out of the puppy class. I also assumed when they are a bit dog shy nothing is better than (controlled) exposure to make them more comfortable around dogs. Any commends welcomed..

no it would not benifit her she could even become more timid... even in play all animal to animal contact revolves around one thing and that is who is top dog..... your dog will benefit from you bonding and training and exposing to all types of situations....

[danyp1]

Originally posted by lblax
no it would not benifit her she could even become more timid... even in play all animal to animal contact revolves around one thing and that is who is top dog..... your dog will benefit from you bonding and training and exposing to all types of situations....

Just so I understand this right. When animal (dog) to animal(dog) contact they play only for the sake of who is top dog and not just for interaction "fun". Or did I misunderstand you? Thanks.

And I`m concerned for her wellbeing that is why I will not push her into this situation if she does not like it. If she packs away or shows signs of stress or aggression we will just go our seperate ways.

[Carina43]

Larry - I compeletely agree a dog doesn't NEED to play with other dogs. I respect that opinion.

Dogs are heirarchal in their relationships, it's how they work. A human bond with a dog is all about who is "top dog" in control too. Nothing wrong with that, it is what it is.

But I see the joy two dogs get racing around after each other, playing tug of war, and interacting in a way that a human and a dog could never interact, and I just think it can add something to a dog's life. At least dogs who generally enjoy the occasional company of other dogs - not all do.

I don't think it's wrong to keep a dog from playing with other dogs. I also don't think it's wrong to let them play with other dogs. :) Just two different schools of thought is all.

[TrishB]

Originally posted by lblax
no it would not benifit her she could even become more timid... even in play all animal to animal contact revolves around one thing and that is who is top dog..... your dog will benefit from you bonding and training and exposing to all types of situations....

I personally do not agree entirely with this.

Sure - most play is who can wrestle who, who can outrun who, who can tug the toy away from who.... But why is that wrong? As long as it's controlled and not allowed to escalate, it's just harmless fun.

Parker was shy with strange dogs (i.e. new dogs to him but dogs that I knew were okay) when he was little. I took him for a play session with my best friends pup that was a few months older. A good part of the play session was with Parker between my feet!

But as he gained confidence and realized that playing was A LOT more fun than hiding between my feet - he played! :D And he loved it!

In fact, Sully is now still Parkers best buddy. Sully is an intact male, 19 month old Irish Setter, Parker is a 15-month-old intact male. They LOVE each other. I couldn't possibly tire out Parker like Sully can - and Parker for Sully.

My personal belief is that one day, you'll need your dog to know how to behave around other dogs. If you're at a picnic or a family function - there is a chance that your dog will have to deal well with other dogs. Although they get the basics as pups with their littermates, those talents can become rusty. They're SO excited when they see another dog (because it never happens to them) they're overwhelming and impolite to the other dog. We've all seen dogs run out of nowhere and pounce on other dogs. They think they're playing, the other dog wants to kill them for being so rude.... :p

If your dog will never have to be in close contact with another dog for its life - then sure - don't socialize with other dogs. But if you do want to be able to go on hikes with other dogs, go to shows, go to the park, attend charity dog walks, etc. - Please DO arrange play sessions with other dogs (that you know, in controlled situations) to keep their doggy manners sharp! :D

Parker has to deal with other dogs all the time: When we're on walks and meet friendly dogs/owners, at dog shows, going to dog shows with others in a group, obedience training, at my sisters house, on walks with my best friend, doggy picnics, charity events, pet events, etc. The last thing I need is a 100+ pound dog dragging me around or acting inappropriately because he has no idea of how to act around another dog! Because he IS well socialized with other dogs, I don't have to worry about him. He knows how to greet and how to acknowlege other dogs. Most of all, he knows that just because there are other dogs, it doesn't mean it's party time! Some times he gets to play and sometimes not. But he's comfortable with either situation. ;)

Things to watch for at the first play session are:

1) One puppy constantly running away - the other shouldn't be allowed to pester it. Let it come out on it's own time.
2) Don't coddle the hiding pup. They're not hurt and they don't need reassurance. They're perfectly safe! So let them recover on their own, gain their confidence and come back into the play session when they're ready.
3) Don't introduce high value items (i.e. food, pig’s ears, etc.)
4) Toys can be introduced that are new to both dogs - control the levels of play. If any acts of guarding turn up - remove the toys.
5) Keep an eye on them. Wrinkles around the eyes / top of head / excessive panting (not caused by playing) may be signs of stress. Some stress is okay - too much is not. If the pups look too stressed, just end the play session and try again another time.

And finally, take a camera! You'll get some great shots. :)