On a recent Saturday, I was surrounded by little ones named Jasper, Molly, Argus, Lulu, and Frederick. No, I wasn't at a Gymboree class for tots. I was at one of the small doggie play groups I go to with my 8-pound Yorkie mix. Think of it as social hour for pups and their parents to have fun and make new friends.
Here are three of my favorites:
- Every Monday night, Biscuits & Bath has a FREE puppy play group at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m., they hold their small dog play group for dogs weighing 20 pounds or less. Check out any of their six locations. The Greenwich Village location (on 13th Street between Fifth and Sixth) is one of the most crowded, with some likening the Monday small dog play group to Studio 54. The frenetic energy can be overwhelming for a shy or first-time dog. The Tribeca and Murray Hill locations are rumored to be much quieter.
- Animal Haven Soho (251 Centre Street at Broome) has play groups for small dogs every Saturday from 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. It costs $7 per dog and is supervised by a trainer. The room is large with a rubbery, black surface and the environment is friendly and welcoming. Animal Haven also has breed-specific playgroups, so check out their website for more information.
- Join Meetup.com and find a doggie play group that works for you. On the website, you simply enter "small dog" as the subject or topic, enter your zip code, and how far you're willing to travel, and a whole list of options pops up. It's a great way to meet others in your area with common interests. That's how I found the Shih Tzu meetup group, one of the most active and largest in New York City.
It's a great way to keep your little dog social and accustomed to being around lots of other pooches. Maybe we'll see you at one of the playgroups.
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