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Ideas for a puppy playtime in winter in Midwest?
Hi!
I actually am very excited to have two private clients who recently got new puppies right before Christmas. One is an English Shepard/Aussie mix (13 week old male) with a grouchy older sister dog.
The other is actually a pair of sibling mini Labradoodle pups (13 weeks also, male and female). Both have asked me about play and socialization. I actually don’t do group classes, and it’s slim pickings in my area for quality R+ group Puppy classes.
I actually referred the English shepherd puppy client to check out a PetCo class. They eagerly signed up and found out they are the only ones in the class.
Anyway, I know it’s a very long shot, as I don’t have a facility to use to host a puppy play date. Just looking for general ideas in case I can finagle something for them or clients of the future.
Thank you for your input!
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14 Replies
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Hey Paula!
This might be something you can collaborate with Home Depot, Lowe’s or Tractor Supply. These 3 stores are animal friendly (not just dog), and they may have the space available for a small puppy play group. Alternatively, walking around these stores is a great way to socialize the puppies with people, other dogs, and give them exposure to different objects, textures, noises, smells, etc.
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These are great ideas, @Halberry124 !
@bernerlabreclectus , I sometimes contemplated the idea of trying to connect new puppy people with one another so they could coordinate play dates themselves. But I feel cautious about that on a number of fronts like health of pups, play style compatibility, and the fact that it could be challenging for the pet parents to know how to regulate the play so it remains a positive experience.
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Those are all very good points!
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Thank you for bringing this idea up, @virginiad . I would love to oversee the two clients with their 3 puppies. Of course, I worry that the sibling puppies might just play with each other and not the other puppy…maybe if I can get a location, we can tag team a bit.
I have a basement room in my house, but it’s carpeted. Not the best, plus I would have to do a deep cleaning before inviting anyone. Ha!
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Yeah, cleaning up accidents on carpet is tough, @bernerlabreclectus .
One good thing to say about non-smooth surfaces, though, is that pups can play more safely, i.e. less slipping around.
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You can purchase a few
washable pee pads online. One alone is big enough for an x-pen, but with a few you can cover a really good size space in your home.
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Thank you, @Halberry124 ! I didn’t know this about those stores. I’ll see if I can talk with someone at the local HD between the two towns. Such an excellent idea!
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It’s worth a shot!! ????
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Another idea for you if you want to use an outdoor space is a community park tennis court. Typically, not used much in the wintertime. 😉 But if you want an indoor space, I’ve also found community centers and some vet clinics open to the idea. It could be a big business builder for a vet clinic to host a puppy play date, as well as give you an in for referrals.
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Thank you, @catherine ! Those are amazing ideas as well. I never thought about a tennis court. Hmmmm! Love it, and way to think outside the box. ????????
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It all depends on who is managing the space – some people will not be okay with pups on a nice court – but where I used to teach there were some old concrete courts that people didn’t care much about. 😉
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All great ideas ! Depending on where you live , perhaps renting the indoor area at a stable
Footing for play is usually great for puppy play
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@kathys , your comment about having good footing for young pups is really important!
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I’ve had classes in church basements, old basketball courts (indoor), veterinary waiting rooms and my own basement.
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