My puppy has no friends : (

[Pam and Ginger Snap]

 I am supposed to expose my puppy to other dogs and let her play with dogs that I know are safe.  But I can't find anyone that I can let Ginger play with.  We have walked around the block several times and she has seen three dogs and been okay...but no dog playdates : (    Is walking around the block and seeing other dogs enough, or does Ginger actually have to play with the dogs? 

[Becky & Sheeba]

I thought Sheeba having another little sister in the house (Sassy is a pom., but we call them sister's) and inner-reaction with family, friends, neighbors & neighborhood dogs would be enough. I have realized it wasn't enough and wish I had enrolled her in a doggy day care or joined a group. At the time I was working and since I live out in a rural area I didn't even consider this.

I have been taking her out with me on walks lately, she becomes overly excited when she see's another person or dogs along her walk. I know I will need to get her out more in social situations and I am currently looking for a group to join in my area.

Even though I think doodles are excellent family dogs and love being around their families...I think they love to socialize with everyone. This is one thing I would of done differently and I am looking to correct it.

Good luck on finding playmates for Ginger.

 

[Joe R.]

Pam, Check out some of our local doodle groups. There are 2 on Yahoo (DCDoodle and NoVaDoodles). There was just a doodle romp in Alexandria this past Sunday.

[Cara Shannon]

Hi! Look for a good quality dog daycare with lots of supervision and small playgroups or look for a good dog trainer in your area who has dog training and puppy classes. You can find a lead on a good trainer at www.ccpdt.org.

 

You can go to a good puppy class that is INDOORS so flooring is sanitized and then when she's older go to daycare. 

[BB]

Pender Veterinary Centre (near Fair Oaks Mall) has a puppy class starting up in a week, they do about 40 minutes of training and 15-20 minutes of puppy playing/socializing.  I believe we started Jackson in class there after his second round of shots (I believe that all the dogs needed at least 2 rounds before they could attend). 

http://www.pendervet.com/events/puppy-kindergarten-class_48.html