Looking for a playgroup for my foster dog

I'd be interested in letting Jake play with my Bulldog. Do you have a yard?
Eva

Subject: Doggie Playgroup

I would be interested in letting my dog Max play with Jake and other social doggies. Max is a sweet 2 year old yellow lab with green eyes. He is a high energy social butterfly and at 100 lbs is in need of some exercise. I am also a trainer and can volunteer tips in helping get Jake adopted.
Thanks
David

Salix,
You make a good point about size/weight differentials. However, you make a couple of assumptions that may require clarification.
First, Jake is a Boxer, there is no evidence that Jake is 8 lbs.
Second, Carmen offered to let her 8 lb dog play with Jake. Carmen said "he's quite small (8lb) but has a lot of character and can DEFINITELY hold his own with the big dogs"
Third, Bright Sky is looking for socialization for Jake, not neccessarily rough play, to help Jake get adopted into a forever home. However, socialization with small and large breeds will be helpful in placing Jake in a home. Otherwise, Jake could be at a disadvantage if families with large breeds decided not to adopt because he's not properly socialized with a large breed, like a lab.
Fourth, doggie play groups are fun, but also proper supervision is needed.
Your concerns are valid and highlight the need for supervised doggie playgroups.
Best
David

Hi Bright Sky,
I think you are doing a great job at trying to help Jake find a home. I can't stress enough the importance of socialization in helping Jake find a home. A lot of families want dogs that will fit right into their families and will be safe around their kids.

From your posts and what the rescue folks told you about Jake, it sounds like Jake is a very sweet dog with small breeds and large gentle breeds. However, Jake may have some confidence issues when it comes to more dominant (or bully) large breed dogs.

I wouldn't be surprised if big loud barking dogs intimidate Jake. If Jake pees when confroted by a large dog, that would definitely be a sign of Jake regressing to a submissive or fearful state. If on the other hand, Jake responds by becoming agressive, that would be another sign of his fear manifestig itself. Dogs often respond to fear with a fight or flight reaction.

Luckily, you are committed to Jake and socializing him. Socialization with gentle dogs is a good first step towards helping Jake become more confident. My dog Max is big yet very gentle, playful and submissive.

I would then build up Jake's confidence by introducing him to more dominant dogs that are well trained. Then I would progress to having Jake simply get used to being desensitized to loud barking dogs in the street. For example, just have him obey your sit command while another dog barks from across the street.

Basically, you should take a phased approach when it comes to Jake's socialization. Most bully dogs in the City are not well trained and I would not introduce them to Jake's socialization routine just yet.

I hope this helps.

Please keep me posted on that first playdate. I would offer my backyard, but I live in Sunset Park and I just closed the above ground pool for the winter. I'd be happy to host future play dates outside Carroll Gardens, just let me know.
Best