Puppy Socialization (Under 4 months)

Service Description

***THIS CLASS IS A PERFECT ADDITION TO Level 1*** Congratulations on becoming a new puppy parent! This is a very exciting time and there are so many new things for both you and your puppy to learn. Teaching your puppy basic obedience like “sit” and “stay” is important, but can be done at any age. However, now is the time to socialize your puppy as the critical time period for properly socializing your puppy is quickly running out. Your puppy’s socialization period began at 3 to 4 weeks of age and ends somewhere between 12 and 16 weeks of age, which means that by the time you brought your new family member home, the socialization period was already half over. This stage of puppyhood is a critical and finite period of time during which puppies are developmentally open to new experiences. Correct, positive socialization is so critical that the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) published a POSITION STATEMENT in which it states that “...it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.” They recommend puppies have their first vaccines before starting classes. So what is socialization? Most people think that the phrase “socialize your puppy” means meeting lots of other dogs and people. This is important, but we often miss everything else in our environment: Sounds, surfaces, objects, cats and animals, dogs of all breeds and personalities, umbrellas, people in hats, people with beards and glasses, children, bicycles, strollers, shopping carts, cars, fireworks, Halloween costumes, recycling bins, and so on. Let’s get those little paws walking in the right direction for a lifetime of fun by your side! Cancellation policy: Full Refund up to 7 days before the start of class Between 7 days and 48 hours: full credit to apply to future classes or Private sessions Less than 48 hours notice: we will most likely not be able to fill your reserved class spot and a cancellation fee of $125 will apply. Once the class has started there is no refund or credit option available. If you are not sure if your dog is suitable for a group class, please ask before booking! We highly recommend a private lesson to assess suitability and answer any questions you may have as well as to bridge any gaps if you have missed a group session.