The next round of puppy socialization classes are now forming!
The classes are for puppies aged 7-14 weeks and are designed to introduce puppy to new people, dogs, objects, and noises he will encounter for the rest of his life. Special emphasis placed on socializing puppy to children and veterinary and grooming visits and introduction to moving objects (vacuum, bikes, skateboards, etc).
Pups will learn to view new things in their environment as fun and normal…not scary, creating social dogs as opposed to fearful dogs. Parents will learn how to safely socialize their pup, to read their dog’s body language and how to manage typical puppy issues such as housebreaking, chewing, crying and jumping.
For detailed information, download class materials and enrollment forms Puppy Socialization Classes
I’m hearing a lot about puppy socialization and puppy classes but I don’t understand what they do. Are they necessary?
Comment by Kate — September 10, 2009 @ 8:50 am
Hello Kate- there are numerous puppy classes offered today from puppy playgroups and puppy socialization classes to puppy agility! It can be overwhelming to see them all and know what is right for your puppy.
Puppies need exposure to many different people, dogs and object, especially between 3-12 weeks of age when they are in a high learning and socialization stage. This is the critical period in the puppy’s life for socialization to ensure that puppy grows up confident and social as opposed to fearful of new things in his environment.
Puppy play groups are typically just for fun and to expose puppy to other pups for play and socialization. Puppy manners classes and agility start teaching the basic skills puppies need before moving on to more advanced classes.
Check out a puppy class first before you enroll to ensure that the class is safe and contains the elements you are looking for. Good luck!
Comment by Your Paws in Training Editor — September 10, 2009 @ 11:14 am
My puppy is 8 weeks old and has only had his first set of puppy shots. My breeder suggested a puppy socialization class right away stressing the importance of these programs. Doesn’t he need to have all his shots first and do you have a puppy class I can put him in?
Comment by Wilson — November 24, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
Wilson- congratulations on your new puppy! 8 weeks is an ideal time to start socializing your puppy and as long as your veterinarian agrees, he can join one of our puppy socialization classes after he’s had his first round of shots.
The number one killer of dogs today is euthanasia due to behavioral problems. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)has issued a statement relative to this. In short, they advise that the behavioral risks of a unsocialized puppy by far outweigh the minimal risk that they will come into contact with a viral or parasitic agent in class. Their statement is below:
“In general, puppies can start puppy socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up-to-date on vaccines throughout the class.”
To read the entire article including the benefits of puppy socialization please visit http://www.avsabonline.org and select “Position Statements” from the left hand menu.
Comment by Paws in Training Editor — November 24, 2009 @ 5:12 pm