You Matched! Now What? A Guide to the Perfect First WaggleMeet Playdate
Mar 15, 2025
That feeling is fantastic—swiping through local pups and suddenly, you get the notification: It's a Match! You've found a potential new best friend for your dog, and the excitement is real. But after the initial "Waggle," you might be wondering what the "Meet" should look like. A great first playdate sets the foundation for a lasting friendship. Here’s our guide to navigating that first meeting smoothly, safely, and successfully.
Step 1: Before the Meetup - The Ground Rules
A little preparation goes a long way. Before you rush out the door, take these steps to ensure you’re both on the same page.
Chat Through the App: This is your most important tool. Use the WaggleMeet chat to get to know the other owner and their dog. Ask friendly questions like:
"How is your dog's temperament with new pups?"
"Are they a rough-and-tumble player or more of a gentle chaser?"
"Just to be safe, are they up to date on their vaccinations?"
"Do they have any allergies or health concerns I should be aware of?"
Pick the Right Place: For a first meeting, neutral territory is best. This avoids any dog feeling territorial. Instead of a home or yard, consider a local park with plenty of space to walk.
Time it Right (Phoenix Heat Advisory!): Living in the Valley of the Sun means we have to be smart about timing. During these hot June months, schedule your playdate for the early morning (before 9 AM) or late evening (well after sunset). Always test the pavement with your hand—if it's too hot for you, it's definitely too hot for their paws.
Step 2: During the Playdate - The First Sniffs
The big moment is here! Keep things calm and positive to give the dogs the best chance of hitting it off.
Start with a Parallel Walk: Don't just let the dogs rush each other face-to-face. Start by walking them on-leash in the same direction, but several feet apart. This allows them to get comfortable with each other's presence and scent without feeling pressured. After a few minutes, you can gradually decrease the distance.
Read the Body Language: Dogs tell us everything we need to know. Look for positive signs like loose, wiggly bodies, play bows (front end down, back end up!), and happy, wagging tails. Be cautious of stiff posture, tucked tails, or consistent growling. It's okay to cut the playdate short if one of the dogs is clearly uncomfortable.
Keep it Short and Sweet: The first meeting doesn't need to be a marathon. A 20-30 minute walk and sniff session is perfect. The goal is to end on a positive note, leaving both dogs wanting to see each other again.
Pack the Essentials: Don't leave home without poop bags and, most importantly, plenty of water and a collapsible bowl. The dry heat can dehydrate our pups quickly, so take frequent water breaks.
Step 3: After the Playdate - The Follow-Up
The fun doesn't stop when the playdate ends.
Send a Thank You: Shoot a quick message through WaggleMeet to thank the other owner for their time. It's a simple, kind gesture that goes a long way.
Schedule Round Two: If the vibes were good, suggest another meetup! Building a friendship takes time.
Don't Get Discouraged: Sometimes, the chemistry just isn't there, and that is completely fine! Every dog has its own personality. Thank the owner and hop back on WaggleMeet. Your dog's perfect pack is out there waiting for you.
Happy meeting, and we can't wait to see the new friendships you build!
