Play Times
Providing your dog with positive social interactions on a regular basis is an important part of being a responsible pet parent. In addition to environmental enrichment in the home, play dates with other dogs (and their people!) helps keep your dog mentally, physically and socially enriched. Our play dates are for dogs without dog or people directed aggression. If your dog is suffering from aggression issues, or you are concerned that things might be headed in that direction, please contact us to discuss.
Puppy Play Groups
Puppy Play Groups are somewhat like kindergarten playtime for children. Some pups charge right in and are the life of the party from the get go. They might even be so enthusiastic that other pups choose not to interact with them. Other pups are a bit more cautious and take time to become socially engaged. They might at first choose to hide under your chair and watch the other pups play. Wherever your puppy starts off on the socialization spectrum, moderated puppy play groups are a vital part of them learning to be comfortable with their own species and with people outside of their home. The over the top enthusiastic pups will benefit from learning to modify and tone down their interactions, and the more reserved pups will become familiar with and more confident in regards to playing with other dogs. Developing good social skills during puppyhood is a crucial part of your pup growing into an adult dog who can walk down the street without incident (i.e. charging at other dogs or attempting to get away from other dogs).
During puppy play time, you will see a wide range of behaviors including chasing, rolling about and ‘wrestling,’ play growling, yips of excitement and yips meant to say ‘back off.’ All of this sort of play occurred whilst your pup was with his or her littermates and must continue with their peers throughout their puppyhood. Like people, puppies have a variety of temperaments (or personalities) and play styles. However, in general puppies are ideally suited to safely teach each other the rules of canine engagement, to help other pups learn impulse or self-control, and to help pups develop good ‘bounce back’ skills.
Our goal is to provide an environment where pups and their families feel safe and can learn. The moderating trainer is available for questions or concerns, so please don’t hesitate to make use of them as a valuable puppy parenting resource.
Our Puppy Play Groups are for puppies of all mixes, breeds, and sizes who are 5 1/2 months and younger. The fee is $10 per pup, per visit. No advanced registration is necessary. Puppy Play Groups meet:
- Every Tuesday from 6-7pm at the Dog Spa Downtown (32 West 25th Street).
- Every Thursday from 6-7pm at Animal Haven (251 Centre Street).
- Every Wednesday from 6-7pm at EcoDogNYC (10 North 5th Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn).
Small Dog Play Groups
Our Small Dog Play Groups are designed to provide pet parents with weekly opportunities to meet the socialization and exercise needs of their diminutive dogs in a safe, clean, trainer moderated, indoor environment. These groups are for dogs 20 pounds and under who are 5 1/2 months and older with no aggression issues (please email or call if you have any questions or concerns). Our Small Dog Play Groups were developed over 15 years ago in great part to help combat the prevalence of ‘Small Dog Syndrome.’ Smaller dogs that are not provided with adequate socialization opportunities (often because pet parents fear for their safety) are more likely to develop social issues, including fear and aggression, which may prevent them from playing well with others and having the best possible chance for leading a fully enriched life.
Keep in mind that even dogs of similar size can vary greatly in regards to play styles. Some smaller dogs are all about rough and tumble play, whilst others prefer a more refined and subtle form of social engagement. Our on-hand training and behavior expert is there to moderate the group and to answer and questions you may have.
The fee is $7 per dog, per visit and no reservation is required. Our Small Dog Play Groups meet:
- Every Monday from 6-7:00pm at the Dog Spa (32 West 25th Street, between 6th & Broadway).
- Every Saturday from 1:45-2:45pm at Animal Haven Soho (251 Centre Street).
Breed Specific Play Dates
While temperaments and play styles within a breed (and even a litter) vary greatly, there is no doubt that many dogs tend to get a thrill out of play time with dogs of their own ilk. With that in mind, we offer breed specific play dates throughout the year. Please check out our Special Events page (link) to see what’s coming up!
