Puppy Socialization 101 - For Puppies 10 weeks to 4 months of age.

A puppy's socialization period lasts from approximately 7 to 16 weeks of age. During this time, a puppy develops the seek-avoidence blueprint she will use for the rest of her life when encountering novel items. Since fear is the underlying emotion for most forms of aggression in dogs, this class is designed to expose your pup to as many environmental factors as possible in a safe and fun way. By forming a strong association with novelties and good stuff (i.e. play, treats, & affection) during this critical period, you are helping to insure your puppy will grow up to be a more confident and easy-going dog. Furthermore, during the puppy play that makes up a good portion of class time, the puppies teach each other essential social skills that they will use for the rest of their lives when interacting with others, like the importance of controlling jaw strength. Since obedience can be taught at any time, this class emphasizes socialization.

• Name recognition
• Desensitizing to: Wheels & Sounds, People (costumes), and handling (trips to the vet)
• Foundation for: Sit, Down, Recall, and Loose & Leash Walking
• Bite Inhibition
• Managing the Chewing Machine
• Crate Training
• House training
• Preventing Resource Guarding: Leave It and Give & Take
• Problem Solving and Management Solutions for common puppy issues.