Play Dates: Fun But Challenging Too

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With my pal Hermione.

It’s been said that golden retrievers have to be taught that not all people are friends, while we German shepherds have to be taught that not all people are enemies. My mom believes this old saying, so she has been on a mission to socialize me with other humans and dogs too. I go to play group at my trainer’s house where there’s a carefully selected group of dogs – border collies, Jack Russells, golden doodles, golden retrievers, and Portuguese water dogs. We all have mostly similar play styles and get along well. Play style is important. We German shephers love to chase, chase, chase, body slam, and bite necks. It can look rough, but generally isn’t. The Jack Russell in the play group loves to run too and is so fast that no one ever catches her. Oh, how I wish I could. That girl can run like the wind.

If anyone gets too rough, the golden retrievers break up that group. They’re the peace keepers. There are also plenty of very attentive humans to make sure that we all behave. There’s lots of chasing, fetching frisbees, and swimming until we’re all exhausted.

Frisbee is an important sport at play group.

On another day of the week, I have a play session with a very special friend, Hermione. It’s just the two of us, and we’re very gentle with each other and that’s important because I’m younger but sturdier than she is.

Other play sessions haven’t been as successful. Some dogs have low self esteem and it’s reflected in their play style. All they want to do is roll me over and grab me by the throat. When that’s the first thing that a play partner does, I know it’s going to be a tough session.

At play group with the big guys.

At home, Navi and I have a play date every evening just before dark. We have created our own games. There are play bows and invitations to play followed by chasing. Sometimes I lead and sometimes Navi does. We go round and round the yard and through our tunnel. I like to tease Navi by reversing direction midway through the tunnel. At other times, I peek out the end and dare her to follow me inside.When I need a short timeout, I get into my wading pool and soak up as much water as possible. Navi won’t follow me there. When Navi needs a timeout, she jumps onto the well house roof. On two occasions, however, I’ve managed to follow her there. By the end of the month, I’ll be able to jump up there whenever I want.


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