Doggie Playdate: 5 Secrets To Organize A Fun One For Your Furry Pals*

Going on a playdate is definitely a fun way for your dog to burn off some energy with a canine companion. So, surprise your furry friend by organizing a cool playdate.

But is that so easy?

Well, there’s no instructional manual about how to plan a perfect doggy playdate. But you can always use plenty of options to plan a fun and entertaining one.

The best part of hosting a playdate is that you just have to make arrangements for two or three doggies instead of throwing a whole dog party.

Without any further ado, let’s get started with how to plan the best playdate for your dog and his furry little friends.

• Learn about your dog’s preferences

Planning and preparation for your dog’s playdate start way before the actual date. The first thing in your playdate checklist should be learning about your dog’s likes and dislikes. This means that you need to figure out how your pooch reacts in the presence of other dogs.

All you have to do is notice your doggo’s behavior when he is around his canine companions. If you feel that there is anything other than a positive, playful, or welcoming reaction, abort the mission right away.

Also, suppose you have a new puppy. In that case, you might not be familiar with his playing patterns and preferences. But the good news is that puppy playstyles are often less aggressive than adult or adolescent dogs. So, there’s a good chance that your pup might respond well to his playdate buddy. And it goes without saying that you need to pick puppies of similar age and size for your dog.

Speaking of…

• Choose the companions wisely

Just like humans, animals tend to enjoy being with someone with whom they share the same vibe. That’s precisely why you need to pick the right candidate for your dog’s playdate. Remember, a well-matched play pal is essential to make it a fun date for your doggie.

So, make sure you choose a dog that is either the same age and size as your pup or typically close. This is because your dog will get to play with someone with the same energy levels and not get overwhelmed by it.

Also, if you set up a small dog with a gentle yet giant dog, then there’s a good chance of accidental injuries. Thus, it would be much safer to follow the rule of thumb that suggests opting for the best possible match for your pup’s playdate. It would also be best for you to opt for someone your pup already knows, such as a dog buddy from the park or daycare.

• Plan some fun activities

When it comes to dog playdate, it is a bit confusing as to what exactly do you need to make it successful. But it is not as challenging as it seems. All you have to do is look for things that might end up entertaining your dog and his playdate companion.

Some dog parents prefer baking homemade dog treats for the playdate companions to enjoy their stay, while others set up obstacle courses or think up games to keep them active all day long. This means that you can either throw in some chew toys or dog treats puzzles for the furry companions to chase.

And if you really want to commemorate your dog’s playdates, you can always plan a photoshoot to click some cute and mushy pictures. Consider dressing the companions in pretty clothes. Try to swap the leashes with harnesses to elevate the comfort level of both participants. Upload those pictures on your dog’s Instagram profile and flaunt his cuteness.

Pro Tip: Suppose you want to use a ball to play chase with your dog and his playdate. In that case, you need to ensure that both the participants are well-versed with the “drop-it” cue. This is because, for many dogs, chasing a ball is a fun game, but it acts as a rewarding toy for others. You wouldn’t want to start a feud between budding friends juicing a ball. Suppose you start noticing that one dog is getting dangerously close to the other one whenever he gets too close to the toy. In that case, you need to retrieve the toy to call it a truce immediately.

• Encourage hydration breaks

If your dog is filled with energy and adrenaline, then he might want to jump around all day and play with his new playdate companion. Watching your pooch and his furry friend snuggle and cuddle might feel cute to look at. But at the end of the day, it is something that might end up draining your pooch’s energy.

So, in order to avoid dehydration, you need to make sure that the playdate companions have enough water supply. It would be best if you bring your dog’s regular water bowl to avoid any last-minute resource guarding. Try to opt for a bigger one so that the playdate companions can sip at the same time. Believe it or not, drinking together from the same bowl is a sign of bonding in the dog world. You can also do the same for the treats and food.

• ALWAYS have a sitter

No matter how trained your dogs are, you need to have a sitter to steer clear of any troubles. Dogs are compassionate, and they love to play and jump all around. But at the same time, they might land themselves in unfortunate accidents or troubles.

So, to steer clear on any mishaps, try having a sitter with whom both the dogs are familiar. The sitter will keep an eye on both the companions and use skills and cues to keep the playdate participants under control.

Wrapping up, 

Organizing a playdate for your pooch is not only good for his physical health but can do wonders for his mental health as well. Your dog will get to make some friends and have fun with them. So, use the tips mentioned above and plan the best and comfortable playdate for your furry friends.