Reprinted from WOOFipedia by the American Kennel Club

Here’s a fun way for you and your pup to have fun before the weather gets cold: Host a play date! Your dog will enjoy playing with other dogs (and learn valuable social skills at the same time), and you will enjoy hanging out with the other human beings (and, of course, the puppies).

Keep your guest list small at first—maybe even just two or three other puppies. You can expand as your pup matures. And until your dog is used to loud noises, don’t invite loud people. Invite your calmer, quieter friends, at least at first. As for the puppies, make sure they are all up-to-date on vaccinations, and that they are fairly calm and friendly. And keep them on a leash at all times!

Your house is the best place to host your first few parties, since you can control the environment and avoid the distractions that come with a park or other public venue. During the party, don’t forget to let the pups take potty breaks every 20 minutes (you might want to set a timer). In fact, the first few parties can end at 20 or 30 minutes. Eventually they might last as long as an hour.

If you also have plenty of healthy treats on hand for the adorable playmates—both canine and human—you (and your play dates) will be a hit!

Find out some great tips on socializing puppies here.

See a Golden Retriever puppy party in action here!