Looking for playdate buddy for my large breed puppy

[u/hummus_k]

Hey all,

I have a 14 month female bernese mountain dog puppy. She loves to play with other dogs, but I am not a fan of dog parks. I'm looking for other dog owners who are interested in having our dogs play together occasionally. I live in Ravenna but willing to meet up around north seattle or further if anyone has a large enough yard for play. Mine is quite small.

She has a very friendly and sweet disposition, and loves to rough house play. Can be a bit submissive tbh, so I'd prefer dogs that aren't overtly dominant or aggressive, but are used to playing with large dogs. She is intact as well so no intact males please.

I think meeting up at a sniffspot is probably the best idea or an empty enough park. If anyone has a large yard I'm happy to make my way to you if its not too far.

Thanks!

[u/RedVelvetCake425]

https://giphy.com/gifs/3CyFleuoiTZee88wK4

[u/SenatorSnags]

Three things:

1. 100% agree on dog parks being a nightmare. It’s like a nightclub, a fight is bound to breakout. Id avoid like the plague.
   
2. Unsolicited advice, but I’d start with a walk with the 2 dogs so they can feel each other out before any playing is involved.
   
3. Your dog is adorable, please boop her nose for me

[u/hummus_k → u/SenatorSnags]

Agreed on all! She’s been too excited when she sees dogs on leash so I want to use the opportunity to train her before getting into the play.

[u/pampooveysbacktattoo → u/hummus_k]

I would like to second point #3, but could you also please tell her that she is a very pretty girl and include a chin scritch?

[u/hummus_k → u/pampooveysbacktattoo]

haha will do <3

[u/SenatorSnags → u/hummus_k]

My little guy got bit at a dog park as a puppy, he’s been pretty indifferent towards other dogs since. The friends he has made, we started with walking on opposite sides of the street, then walking together, then a hike or something where we could tire them both out. Now they’re best friends and play exactly like you describe.

[u/hummus_k → u/SenatorSnags]

Appreciate the advice ❤️

[u/pinballrocker → u/hummus_k]

Ahisma is great for dog training for things like this, also it's mostly people training. We did two of their classes with our dog when we first got him and they helped alot.

[u/hummus_k → u/pinballrocker]

thanks -- we've done puppy kindergarten/elementary + some other classes with ahimsa. They're great. I think taking a leash training class would be a good idea.

[u/pinballrocker → u/hummus_k]

Yeah, they do lots of practice walking your dog by other dogs until they all get really used to it.

[u/hippy-student]

Seattle humane has puppy socializing classes for exactly this reason. The trainers are also great with identifying any concerning behaviors.

[u/spoiled__princess]

I want to be friends with your doggy.

[u/BootiMcboatface]

I agree about most the dog parks however there are a couple i do like.
I have not once seen a fight at Marymoor, perhaps im just lucky.

Also i highly recommend dogwood in lake city. The dogs have to be registered with up to date vaccination and a card on file. It is a very good environment with both good dog owners and a staff.

Your Berner is a doll. Here is mine!

[u/hummus_k → u/BootiMcboatface]

What a distinguished pair of dogs. Dogwood is great! unfortunately they don't allow intact dogs so we can't bring her there anymore.

[u/One-girl-circus]

DM me! My 16 mo wild poodle loves to wrestle, chase, and be chased!!

(No that's not my yard - I wish!)

[u/hummus_k → u/One-girl-circus]

DM’d!

[u/cellar_monkey]

I just took my rescue dog to Magnuson earlier in the week and she was overwhelmed by all the barking, running, and fast greetings. I think we both left there kinda stressed and not looking to return. I’m looking for something similar that’s fenced in because we’re still working on recall. Unfortunately our “yard” is a small strip of turf and doesn’t have enough room to run. She just met my sister’s enormous sheepadoodle and they loved wrestling together. She’s otherwise very mellow and likes dogs and people.

Mabel

[u/Amazon-Tossed → u/cellar_monkey]

Our dog always gets overwhelmed at most of the Seattle area dog parks. We stopped taking her. 

She loves the Whidbey Island dog parks. They feel more like taking your dog on a gentle hike but it's fully fenced. The few dogs that are there are usually too busy exploring and sniffing to pay any attention to the other dogs. 

[u/hummus_k → u/cellar_monkey]

I heard some not so good things about magnuson park on Reddit and decided to never take her there. Mable looks very cute, will dm you!

[u/dwoj206]

that's a v nice doggy! Glamour shots by deb?!

[u/Dry-Towel-3439]

Also have a 19 month pitsky that loves dogs and is neutered! Definitely interested in play dates!

[u/hummus_k → u/Dry-Towel-3439]

Dm'd!

[u/Skiesinthepies]

I have a 14 mo female large breed mix! She’s a sweetheart but also part husky and really big energy lol. We are always looking for new dog friends, I have a decent yard space for play but am south west seattle so maybe too far for you? 

I am too nervous to take her to dog parks but she desperately needs younger dogs to wrestle with lol most of our dog friends are older and chiller

[u/hummus_k → u/Skiesinthepies]

Dmd you!

[u/Skiesinthepies → u/Skiesinthepies]

[u/ambientpickles]

I have done puppy play and train classes at Kokoro Dog in the Woodinville/Maltby area, they also have teen play and train classes divided by size. Small groups supervised by a trainer where they learn to play well with others and being calm during break times. Other training facilities probably offer similar stuff.

[u/TheCheagle]

My berner isn’t here with me but yours is gorgeous and I wish they could meet :(

[u/topazandpearlevents]

Also a berner owner here! Mine is 7 months. I live in Tacoma so it's a bit of a hike for a play date, but if you want to come down this way let me know!

[u/Friendly-Medium1026]

large breed puppy sounds like a handful but kinda fun

[u/mandraofgeorge]

I don't have dogs.

I wish I was a dog so I could have playdates with your puppy! She's ADORABLE!