Molly's play date :) and me learning to chill out!

I posted a little while ago about Moll being a little on the rude side with other dogs, a couple of growls here and there. Well since then we have been walking a few times a week with her new pal Ollie and slowly she has been gaining confidence. Her initial greeting was one of snapping/nipping at his mouth (def not trying to bite).

Anyhow, we decided to let Moll go around to Ollie's house for a play date, I know some people may think this was a bit soon! But it was fantastic! They both played loads and she was really submissive. She told him off when he annoyed her though which he respected. He's an only dog and I think he also benefits massively from the interaction.

One of the best things it did was to train me. Ollie's owners and I supervised all the time we were there, but I tried not to give her any attention as I think she turns to me as a nervous response/protective. Tough love? She managed to realise that she was okay and could play without having to be scared, ie nothing bad would happen.

Since that initial growl at a dog ages ago I got a tad nervous with her meeting other dogs, which I know is awful for her as it travels down the lead, I have been trying loads, deep breathing techniques. One really good thing is that the owners of Ollie are fantastic and really want to help, it calms me down

A very positive playdate. Moll had fun, I relaxed and she learnt that it didn't have to be a scary thing ie playing is fun!

Great news, Its great when they can get along.

It's great to have a playmate and one that you can both learn from, how very good of Ollies owners to be so understanding too, sounds like you have one very special friend there.

Aww that's great its so satisfying when a play date goes well. 

They even groomed him for his date lol It's me thats the problem I need to trust her and relax completely! She was brilliant and only a tincy bit clingy but by the end, a knackered lady!

Ollie is great because I know if she does snap to tell him to move away he won't do anything, he will just move away and wait for her to come to him

Brilliant, play dates are great for them  

That's fantastic! Molly must have had a great time, she found a new friend! Glad you coped too, it is a bit worrying at first