play dates in philly

[Mallowcup]

Hi everyone~

I am looking for people in philadelphia area for possible play dates or walks. I'll even walk your dog for you just so she can spend time with other dogs ;D I am trying to get as much positive interactions as possible.

She went to the trainer last night and at the end of class she was introduced to another dog who was about 12 months old and a pitt. (no one showed up for class so it turned into a private lesson) He was a rough player but and she was a bully to him also. The trainer said that she really needs to work on her social skills because she is lacking correct puppy play skills. Her tail was tucked the whole time. I have never seen this side to her as of yet. Everything has been positive up until now until the puppy mixer incident. Let me know if anyone is interested in play dates or free walks for your dogs

[maryellen]

with her tail tucked the whole time she was uncomfortable and should have been removed from the situation. next time, if you do a play date, and her tail is tucked remove her from the situation and then see what she does,if she goes back for more with the other dog that is good, if she refuses to play and tries to hide or get away that is not good and she isnt having fun

[RealPitBull]

Ditto what Maryellen said. Doesn't sound like Daisy was enjoying herself with the pushy Pit Bull. These dogs are so sensitive, and they get overwhelmed easily by other dogs (they can also overwhelm dogs easily, too, because they tend to be very in-yer-face and have a rough often inappropriate playstyle).

Your idea of meeting up for one on one walks, etc, is a REALLY good one. I hope you can find people who will do this with you. Lots of parallel walking (humans and dogs walking side by side, several feet apart, so the dogs can be near each other, but not necessarily physically touching), and then calm, casual interaction throughout the walk, would be really good for Daisy. (Loose leashes!)

I'm concerned about Daisy getting bossed around at the mixers and learning to be defensive. The barking you described in the Mixer thread sounds like stress barking to me (if it had been me, I would have removed the sheepdog, and if Daisy's stress level didn't drop, removed her as well and let her regroup and rejoin in a bit if she relaxed).

The pix you posted appeared to show Daisy doing well with the other two pups, and interacting nicely. Then you describe the barking and in the next mixer, the tucked tail - that's concerning to me. This is just stuff for you to be aware of so that you can make good choices for your dog and intercede when necessary. Hopefully your trainer is easy going and won't be offended if you feel uncomfortable with a situation and want to remove Daisy from it.

[Mallowcup]

Thanks for your comments. It's funny when I mentioned last night about removing or getting involved when she started barking the trainer said to leave her there and let her work it out. Since no one showed up for class, the trainer did a one on one but then brought in another dog in to see her interactions. I think at this point, I feel more comfortable doing walks. I'm still doing the basic training but walks instead of the mixers or dog parks, walks are best for Daisy at this point. I used to do a lot of dog sitting previously and I introduced my previous dog and any new dogs through walking. It has always worked for me in the past and I think It's time to trust my instinct and do what's best for her. I know that not all trainers are created equally, even when they are certified which is what I have.