Playgroups

OVER 12 months = 9:00am - 10:00am Every Saturday!
UNDER 12 months = 10:00am - 11:00am Every Saturday!

Why Dog Den Playgroups Rock!

1. Puppies learn how to play appropriately with others their own age
2. There is always a staff member on hand to answer questions.
3. We teach you how to read dog body language so you know what is appropriate and what is not
4. Not too hot, not too cold!
5. Get the chance to talk to other doggie owners that have been sharing the same experiences
6. Only $3.00 for the full hour - And FREE if you are currently enrolled in one of our classes!

The Dog Den has a safe, fun alternative to dog parks. We’ve all been to the dog park, because where else in Madison can your dog run around and play? But now, you can go somewhere better! Avoid the mud, the rain, the puddles, the dirt, the heat, the sun, and the mean dogs that steal toys or try to start fights!

The key to having a well-socialized adult dog is to first have a well-socialized puppy!

Puppies are not born knowing how to play with other dogs. They need to experience large dogs, small dogs, dogs that play rough, dogs that play gently. If your puppy is only exposed to playing with adult dogs, he will learn that he can bite harder when he plays. Then when he grows up to be an adult dog himself, he will still have a hard bite. Unfortunately, that can cause fights and make other dog's perceive him as being a bully. Also, many adult dogs simply do not like puppies and will attack them for no reason. This is why it is not safe to take your little puppy to the off-leash dog parks. That way they already have approprite greeting/playing skills, will not learn bad habits from older dogs, and are old enough to defend themselves if there is a bully at the park.

You can also use this time to get advise on your puppies issues from a professional dog trainer (nipping, housetraining, crate training, nail clipping, proper amount of food, etc.).

Bring your puppy to our Puppy Playgroups for correct, supervised socialization. Here he will learn to play appropriately, learn bite inhibition, proper dog-dog and dog-people greeting skills - and come home nice and tired!

Please bring: Proof of current vaccinations (we understand that puppies will not have their full series of shots yet, we just need proof that they have started their series and have been seen at least once by your veterinarian - Thanks!)

Cost: $3.00 per puppy/dog
Proof of vaccinations required for first playgroup visit

Puppy Plagroups are for the parents to enjoy with their dogs, this is not a drop off visit.
Pre-registration is not required. Puppies over 6 months must be spayed or neutered.
The Dog Den reserves the right to dismiss a dog for aggression and suggest alternate training such as private lessons. Due to insurance reasons, we are unable to allow Pit Bulls or Pit Bull mixes to our Playgroups.