Dogs are a woman’s best friend, to tweak a famous phrase. But dogs could use canine pals, too. Dogs that play with other dogs tend to be happier, healthier, and less stressed than dogs that romp alone, says Terence Cranendonk, coauthor of The Puppy Whisperer and a certified dog behavior consultant. So how can you help your pet find friends? Here’s what our expert shared.
Start Young, If You Can
Dogs have a window of time, between about 3 months and 18 months, in which they learn about the world around them, and that includes how to interact with other dogs. Puppies that don’t interact with other dogs may grow up to fight or take flight when a new dog noses around. The best time to introduce pups to playmates: between 3 to 6 months.
Know Where to Go
A well-run puppy class may be your best bet for building a lifetime of social skills—but only after your puppy has received its full set of vaccinations. If you’re unsure about a class, audit one and pay attention to how it’s run. Are puppies having fun or cowering beneath chairs? Do puppies seem safe? Is the trainer in command? If you don’t see puppies having a good time in a well-controlled environment, then that particular class is probably not a good choice.
You can also venture out to dog parks. Social dogs love these locations, where they’re free to run and play with other dogs, while their owners chat.
If you can afford it, doggy day care can also give your pet playmates. Look for cleanliness and how well dogs are kept under control. Some places separate big dogs from little dogs, so be sure to ask if you’re concerned.
You can even make connections online. At Dogster (dogster.com), you can create a profile for your pup, join local groups, and meet other dog owners in search of compatible playmates for their pets. Another option is the networking site Meetup (meetup.com). Type in your zip code and “dog” to launch your search.
Get Ready for the Playdate
Choose a neutral place where dogs can meet up for the first time, such as an unfamiliar park or a neighbor’s backyard. Keep dogs on leashes. Let them sniff each other briefly in greeting but don’t let it linger; prolonged sniffing may signal aggression. Keep your voice friendly and calm. Give each dog a treat when they obey simple commands such as “sit.” Then take the dogs for a walk and let them check each other out at intervals, as you continue to reward positive behavior.
If Your Dog Seems More the Loner Type…
If your adult dog bares teeth and growls at other dogs or runs away with tail between the legs, then you may need professional assistance from a dog trainer or animal behaviorist. While your dog may never make dog friends with ease, it may learn how to tolerate and even enjoy the company of other dogs.
In the end, if your dog doesn’t play well with other dogs, don’t force it. Just make sure your dog gets plenty of attention from you and your family. It’s the love and play that matter most—no matter where they come from.
I own 3 dogs and wouldn't have it any other way! When I have to leave the home, they are never alone! It's instant company at any hour of the day! They also get exercised at the puppy park or in wooded area's near my house.
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