Pup’s itching to jump off the couch and sniff out a few new friends with all of the social distancing we’ve been doing. Whether he needs to be socialized or re-socialized, don’t worry if you’re feeling a bit ruff around the edges. We dug up five dog meetups to shake a few paws and exercise some good-ole Minnesota nice. After the year we’ve had, it’s the leash we could do.
1. Dog Day Getaway Playgroups
Starting this fall (Sept. 2021), Dog Day Getaway in Apple Valley is hosting supervised off-leash small dog and puppy playgroups. Whether you’ve got a furry fluffer beggin’ for a bit of socialization or a tiny tater tot that’s intimidated by bigger dogs, there’s a scheduled playgroup to fit your needs. Each hour-long Sunday playgroup is $10. Tip: Due to space limitations, only two hoomans can accompany Fido. Pre-register to save your spot!
2. Unleashed Hounds and Hops
Being Minnesota’s first dog-centric bar, Unleashed Hounds and Hops Indoor Dog Park in Minneapolis is your one-stop shop for snackin’, sippin’, and socializin’. They’ve got paw-patrolling ‘ruffarees’ for playtime in the off-leash fenced dog-run and a separate dog area for pups under 25 pounds. Whether you’re eyeing up the breed-focused evenings on Wednesdays or puppy playtime on Mondays is more your thang, we recommend sniffing out their event calendar. Tip: Hop over to their website before your barks and beers playdate to review their rules and registration protocols before your first visit.
3. Animal Humane Society Puppy Playgroups
The Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley hosts weekly puppy playgroups for both small and large breed pups, tweens, and teens alike to begin the socialization process, gain confidence, and possibly learn a few new skills. Tip: Each session is $10 for students and $15 for non-students of AHS. Online registration opens the day prior to each pupper playgroup.
4. Dog-Friendly Dining at The Howe
Looking for a Fido-friendly spot to meet up with a few pals for brunch or a cocktail hour? There’s nothing better than beers and bow-wows! The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar is the perfect place to whine and dine with their year-round, heated, and covered dog-friendly patio, scrumptious snacks, and four-legged fare (hello the Woof Woof Bowl and homemade pupcream). Tip: Put their Wednesday yappy hour from 4-10 p.m. on your calendar. Fluffers eat free with the purchase of a human entree. Get a FREE drink here and other dog-lovin’ restos with our Dog-Friendly Restaurant Pass.
5. Breed-Specific Twin Cities Dog Meetups
Check out one of the breed-focused meetup groups and you just mutt meet your doggo’s doppelganger. From French Bulldogs and Boxers to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pugs, these groups are great to socialize with dogs of the same size. Tip: These groups are also pawesome to make new two-legged friends too!
What’s your favorite dog meetup spot in Minnesota to bark and sniff with furry frens? Let us know in the comments or in our Dog-Friendly Twin Cities Facebook Group.
Featured photo: Sebastian Coman Travel
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Twin Cities Facebook Group.
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