09/08/2026
🐶 Puppy Pathways Spotlight: Social Play Sessions
One of the questions I'm asked most is, "Should my puppy meet other dogs?"
The answer isn't as simple as yes or no.
I often talk about why our dogs don't need to greet every dog they see, and why on-lead greetings aren't usually the best way for dogs to interact. But that doesn't mean puppies should never have opportunities to socialise with other dogs.
When it's appropriate, I love giving puppies the chance to interact in a safe, carefully managed environment where they can learn valuable social skills.
One thing that often surprises owners is that my Social Play Flex Sessions don't look like constant play.
Sometimes the puppies play. Sometimes they simply share space. Sometimes they choose to disengage, lie together in the shade or quietly observe what's happening around them. Those quieter moments are just as valuable because they're all part of learning how to communicate appropriately with other dogs.
During these sessions I help puppies (and their owners!) learn about:
🐾 Healthy dog-to-dog communication
🐾 Reading canine body language
🐾 When to take breaks from play
🐾 Capturing voluntary check-ins around other dogs
🐾 Building engagement so other dogs become part of the environment, not the centre of it
Every Social Play session is a little different because it's guided by the puppies involved. Some sessions involve lots of play, while others focus more on confidence, observation and learning to relax around other dogs.
Because socialisation isn't about meeting as many dogs as possible. It's about helping your puppy grow into a dog that can communicate well, make good decisions and feel comfortable around other dogs, whether they're playing or simply sharing the same space.
