Doggie Play Date | Social Training Hour

This is the first Doggie Play Date Social Training Hour! Woooof! 🐾

Our Focus
We will be focused on slowly introducing our dogs and getting them comfortable around each other. We want our dogs to learn to pay attention to us when surrounded by distractions so we can keep them safe and happy. Simple right... Not always! Work on any tricks you'd like, and we will try some parallel walking, circle walking, and individual walking to see how our dogs react to each other.

Our Goal
Become strong leaders for our dogs and build trust with them so they can have incredible experiences. Another goal for this play date is creating new relationships for our dogs so we can do things like hike together and go to dog parks. This is a great way to learn about your dog if this is a new experience for you both. To discover what strengths or weaknesses are present in this environment.

Safety Is a Top Priority
Please be responsible and make safe choices with your dogs. Be confident that you can manage and hold onto your dog. Stay home if you or your dog is sick.
At the beginning of the play date, do your best to keep your dog distanced from new dogs. Take your time and space while getting them to calm down and ready to meet new friends. If that means standing at the other end of the field and just watching, do it! Working within your dog's "threshold" will set them up for success! Learn what that is and be patient with them.

Who is This For?
It's recommended to bring older puppies and dogs who have already been trained with you one-on-one. Young puppies are welcome. Kids are welcome, but must be able to safely restrain their dogs if they're the leader. Please invite your friends and family! This play date is all about being social.
This is not a class for extremely aggressive dogs. If you aren’t sure, please have a muzzle for your dog so no one gets hurt! We're not professionals and can’t offer advice on advanced behavioral needs.

What About the Sniffs!
You will have opportunities during the play date to choose if your dog can meet any new friends. Please make this decision carefully and slowly. Always ask if your dog can get close to and meet another dog, especially while on a leash. This is an opportunity to strengthen YOUR leadership skills and trust with your dog. Just being around other dogs can be enough socializing for some!
Keep in mind, leash aggression can and will happen for some dogs. This doesn't mean your dog is aggressive! Take the opportunity to observe your dog's behavior so you can understand what they are telling you and where there is room to grow.

What to Bring
For your dog: training treats, reliable leash, poop bags, to go water bowl, and your human’s patience
For humans: Water, weather-appropriate clothes, a good attitude

Final Notes & Inspiration
This is a learn as you go group. Opportunities for new leadership roles and focused classes or events will be encouraged.
Your host, Christina, is not a professional dog trainer. She has a young Border Collie mix who is the inspiration for this group. We encourage you to come to the play dates prepared to be a strong leader for your dog. Make safe choices and let’s grow together!