Puppy Playtime FAQ

Puppy playtime is the perfect opportunity for puppies to socialize with other puppies and humans in a physically and emotionally safe environment. 

Puppies between 10 weeks and 24 weeks go through many critical learning periods where much of their adult social behaviour is imprinted.  It is highly important that puppies have lots of positive social experiences with other dogs and humans during these periods in order to form positive associations, strong communication skills, and confidence to face various situations. 

Puppy Playtime offers puppies a controlled environment to engage in free play with other puppies as well as meet new people.  The puppies are grouped to be similar in size and play style in order to ensure that everyone has a good time!

Puppies must be between 10 weeks of age and 24 weeks of age to attend puppy playtime.

Puppies over 6 months of age may not attend puppy playtime.

Puppies must provide proof of two sets of vaccinations to attend puppy playtime.

• Owners must show proof of two sets of puppy vaccinations including vaccination for parvovirus, adenovirus, and distemper.  These are routinely included in vaccine cocktails with the letters “DAP” in their name.
• Rabies vaccine is not required for any services for puppies under six months.
• The bordatella vaccine is recommended but not required.     

In order to participate in puppy playtime we require all owners to read and sign the following agreements:

1. General Agreement and Release
2. Kennel Cough Agreement and Release
3. Puppy Playtime Agreement and Release

Puppy playtime is divided into three play groups.  Each play group runs for 45 minutes, followed by a 5 minute changeover period before the next play group starts. 

Puppy Playtime is divided into three play groups based on puppy size and play style. 

As a general rule, the following weight classes will determine which play group your puppy should attend:

Little Puppies: 0-12 pounds
Medium Puppies: 13 – 30 pounds
Big Puppies: Over 30 pounds

Puppies with aggressive play styles may be asked to attend a larger play group by the playtime facilitator. Similarly, excessively shy puppies may be allowed to attend a smaller play group. The playtime facilitator has the final say in which play group is best suited to each puppy. Our goal is to provide a physically and emotionally safe experience for all attendees.

There are strict rules for puppy parents participating in puppy playtime:

• Parents must either sit on the floor, in a chair, or stand still during puppy playtime. Moving around the room is prohibited. 
• Parents may gently pet, cuddle, and talk to puppies that approach them and and engage in interaction.
• Parents may not lift, restrain, or discipline a puppy who is not their own.
• Parents may not chase or follow puppies who do not wish to engage.

If a puppy that is not your own is being too rough, biting, grabbing clothing, pulling hair, or otherwise interacting too aggressively you you should:

• say “ouch, that hurts”
• stand up
• turn your back to the puppy
• lift your hands above your head
• disengage all eye contact, handling, and interaction with the puppy
• if the behaviour continues, ask the facilitator to intervene

If your puppy is playing too roughly with another puppy you should:

• tell your puppy to “play gentle”
• call your puppy back to you when his play begins to be too rough
• put your puppy on a leash or take them to the lobby to cool down
• Use a blocker board to separate your puppy from the puppy s/he is bothering, then redirect to a more suitable play mate.
• Ask the facilitator to supervise your puppy and provide coaching techniques on how to shape more appropriate interactions.
• consider discussing attending a larger size of play group with the facilitator

Children who have the ability to participate in puppy playtime by following all of the human rules of puppy playtime are welcome to attend. Children who are unable to remain still, quiet, calm, and interact positively with the puppies will be asked to leave.

No treats are permitted into the puppy playtime play group. 

If you wish to have strangers offer treats to your puppy, this can be done in the lobby.  No treats may be brought into the play group space. 

Footwear:

Humans must bring indoor shoes into the puppy playtime play group, or participate in their socks.  No bare feet or outdoor shoes are permitted in the play space. 

Clothing:

Humans should wear clothing that is resistant to damage and easy to wash.  Do not wear clothing that can be easily damaged by puppy nails or teeth.

At least one adult pet parent is required to stay on the premises during puppy playtime.

Puppy parents may choose to participate in the play group or wait in the lobby, but you may not leave the building. 

Children under the age of 16 may not be left unattended in puppy playtime and require the direct supervision of an adult.

Puppy playtime is a parent supervised play group and is NOT a dog daycare service.