Every Sunday, 10:30am to 12:30pm · Meridian
Sunday Social
Sit back. Observe. Step in when needed.
An off leash social at Idaho Pups & Ales where dogs interact, play, explore and communicate naturally, and you learn to read what they're saying.
What is Sunday Social?
Dogs communicating, humans learning
Coffee in hand. Dogs being dogs.
Rather than constantly interrupting normal dog to dog communication, we give dogs room to work through social situations while Psyche K9 trainers watch their body language, play styles and boundaries. You get to see what healthy dog communication really looks like, and grow more confident reading your own dog.
- 1
Arrive on leash
Check in with us at the gate. If it's your first time, we'll say hi to your dog and get a feel for their energy.
- 2
Off leash in the yard
Your dog explores, sniffs, meets friends and plays at their own pace. Nobody is forced to engage.
- 3
We watch and translate
Trainers read body language the whole time and explain what's happening between dogs. Sometimes we redirect or create space. Other times we simply let the dogs be dogs.
- 4
Leash up and head home
Dogs leave on leash, tired and happy. You leave understanding your dog a little better than you did this morning.
Sundays at Idaho Pups & Ales
This is what it looks like
Little messages you'll learn to see
Reading the room, dog style
Every Sunday is a live lesson in dog language. Here are a few of the signals we'll point out while you watch.
The play bow
Front end down, back end up. "Everything after this is play, I promise."
Taking turns
Good play swaps roles. Chaser becomes chased, and the bigger dog lets the smaller one win sometimes.
The shake off
A full body shake after a big moment. It's a reset button, a way of letting the energy go.
The freeze
A sudden stillness or stiff body means a dog needs space. That's often our cue to step in.
Before your first Sunday
Good to know before you come
Text us first
It's required for first timers, so we can learn a little about your dog before you arrive. 208-273-9979
Set up your IPA profile
Create a profile in Idaho Pups & Ales' pet portal and upload your dog's vaccine records: Distemper, Bordetella and Rabies.
Check the requirements
Dogs need to be 10 to 12 weeks or older, spayed or neutered if over a year, friendly with people and dogs, and with you for at least 30 days. Humans must be 21+.
Grab a pass and a leash
A $15 day pass ($7.50 each extra dog) or an IPA membership covers the off leash yard. No toys or treats in the yard.
Park rules, passes and memberships are set by Idaho Pups & Ales. See their passes and rules. Sunday Social is canceled in bad weather.
Questions
Sunday Social FAQ
Does my dog have to be a Psyche K9 client?
No! Sunday Social is open to the community.
Is this a training class?
Not exactly. Sunday Social is about natural dog to dog interaction. Our trainers watch the group, let healthy communication happen, and step in when guidance is needed.
What if the weather is bad?
Sunday Social is canceled in bad weather. If the forecast looks iffy, text us before you head out.
What if my dog only gets along with some dogs?
Being picky about dog friends is completely normal. Because Sunday Social is off leash, dogs do need to be able to safely share the space with others. If you're not sure how your dog will do, tell us when you text and we'll help you decide.
What if my dog doesn't want to play?
That's perfectly fine. Some dogs prefer exploring, sniffing or just hanging out. We never force dogs to engage.
What if my dog gets overwhelmed or plays too rough?
Our trainers watch body language the whole time. If a dog gets overwhelmed or play stops being mutual, we step in, create space, or suggest a break.
Can puppies come?
Puppies 10 to 12 weeks or older with their vaccines can come, and they can benefit a lot. They do need to be comfortable off leash, so mention your puppy when you text us.
What if my dog has never been to a dog park?
Every dog starts somewhere, but Sunday Social isn't the best first off leash experience for every dog. Tell us when you text and we'll talk it through.
Can I ask the trainers questions?
Of course! We love helping owners understand what they're seeing. If you want help with something specific to your dog, that's exactly what a Translation Session is for.
See you Sunday.
Every Sunday, 10:30am to 12:30pm at Idaho Pups & Ales in Meridian. First time? Text us before you come.
