[milles2]

Sweetlychee:

Can you call your Vet and ask if they can recommend a "play group" situation or classes aimed at social play?

My experience w/ Petsmart classes is that they are obedience focused. I belong to a dog training club (I found it the most economical option for a long term training program) and it's all business - no time for play. Agility class is the same. The dogs (even Tucker!) have fun but it's not play time or socialize w/ other dogs time.

I wanted the "play group"/just be a dog opportunity for Tucker and it is absolutley not Obedience Class.

I think all dogs + families should be in an obedience (in a perfect world!). It's good discipline for all involved. But it is not a time for your dog to play. I'd start looking into "play group" opportunities.

My puppy sitter moved from the west coast back to upstate NY. She started her pet sitting business on the west coast where house calls and "play groups" are common. Less common here but a great idea. My two go 2 days a week and are just dogs, other than behaving (basic manners learned in Obedience Class), no expectations for performing.

My sitter belongs to a professional pet sitter organization here in the Capital District, I will ask her if she has contacts in NY and mail you if she has any info.

Good luck!