The Journal

Guides and stories for dog owners who take their dogs seriously.

Dog Parks vs. Playdates: Which Is Right for Your Dog?
Featured 3 min read

Dog Parks vs. Playdates: Which Is Right for Your Dog?

Dog parks and one-on-one playdates aren't the same thing. One is a social experiment; the other is a controlled environment. Knowing which to use — and when — can transform your dog's social life.

PawDate Team · May 27, 2026

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Why Socialization Is the Most Important Thing You Can Do for Your Puppy
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Why Socialization Is the Most Important Thing You Can Do for Your Puppy

The window is shorter than you think. What happens between weeks 3 and 14 shapes your dog's personality for life — here's how to use that time well.

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Understanding Your Dog's Body Language During Play
May 25 3 min

Understanding Your Dog's Body Language During Play

Play and aggression can look surprisingly similar. Knowing the difference keeps playdates safe and fun for everyone involved.

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How to Host the Perfect Doggy Playdate
May 23 3 min

How to Host the Perfect Doggy Playdate

A good playdate takes five minutes of planning and saves an hour of chaos. Here's the checklist we give every PawDate user before their first meetup.

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The 5 Best Dog Breeds for Playdates
May 21 4 min

The 5 Best Dog Breeds for Playdates

Not every breed plays the same way. Here are five breeds that are reliably friendly, energetic, and safe around other dogs — perfect for setting up PawDate meetups.

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