By Fran Jewell
What a fabulous idea puppy parties are for socializing young puppies! However, the best puppy parties do have some guidelines that should help ANY doggie gathering.
First, be sure you have lots of enclosed, SAFE space for the party. When several dogs meet—puppies or older dogs—it takes only a second for someone to go missing and find themselves on a dangerous roadway. Safe and FUN dog relationships need SPACE. The closer the confinement, the more likely there is to be a fight.
Secondly, invite dogs or puppies of equal size, age and personality. Timid or more concerned puppies can become overwhelmed easily by more rambunctious puppies. Do not force them to stay in playtime if they want to leave. It is not “socialization” if a puppy or even an older dog is forced to stay when they are not comfortable. Casually but quickly remove the dog or puppy and take them home. Another time, in very short intervals, might be more appropriate for that particular dog or puppy.
Third, keep the puppy parties short and sweet. I suggest a time of only half an hour. Then all the dogs get called to their owners and given treats, and are put away or go home. Lengthy times of hearty play can make puppies very tired. When puppies (or older dogs) get tired, they get grumpy, just like little children. Then the risk of fighting increases. If you see play escalate into more aggressive behavior, stop the play and go home. The more puppies or older dogs practice what is called “ritualized aggression,” the more likely they are to be more aggressive with other dogs as a rule. Quit while you are ahead. Always!
Puppy parties are not a time for the owners to socialize with their friends and not pay attention to the dogs. It is a time to SUPERVISE happy playtime and make it an educational experience for all the puppies or dogs. Useful obedience skills can also be incorporated in the party by having the pup sit before being released into play, or being called out of play for a treat. Then the pup is released back into the play.
Puppy parties can also be designed so that only human friends come to meet the puppy. It becomes a great training opportunity to teach the puppy not to jump on guests and for puppies to find out that strangers are friendly. The best case is to have treats ready. Have guests come at 10-minute intervals. Have your puppy on a leash as each person arrives. Step on the leash so the puppy cannot run out the door or jump out of control. Then, reward sitting, over and over again.
After guests arrive, you can have a short gathering and serve hors d’oeuvres while your puppy learns to lie nicely on a target mat or bed, learning not to beg. Again, short and sweet is the key to a successful puppy party. Puppies can stress very easily and this gives them an opportunity to have a good experience with lots of positive reinforcement.
Puppy parties can be incredibly useful and teach proper socialization. “Free-for-all” play can quickly escalate into aggressive behaviors. Supervision and creativity is the key to a great time for all!
Fran Jewell is an IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, NADOI Certified Instructor and the owner of Positive Puppy Dog Training, LLC in Sun Valley. For more information, visit positivepuppy.com or call 208-578-1565.
