Congratulations on your new puppy and welcome to puppy socialization class! You are starting off on the right “paw.”
ORIENTATION OVERVIEW
● What is socialization and why is it important?
● What to expect in puppy class
● What to bring to puppy class
THE SOCIALIZATION PERIOD is a period of time that can dramatically affect your puppy's future personality! It is from 3 to 16 weeks of age and during this time, your puppy is developmentally open to new experiences.
Socialization is important because it 'vaccinates' your puppy against problem behaviours. No one surrenders or gives up their dog because he can't sit, or come, but 1 in 3 dogs do end up being surrendered due to behavioural problems that could have been prevented. Avoiding socializing your puppy can be just as detrimental as them having a bad experience. Puppy Class facilitates socialization in a safe and fun setting.
Your puppy's behaviour is shaped by genetics, learning and experience.
WHAT HAPPENS IN CLASS?
Your puppy will play with other puppies in controlled, off-leash interactions. This will help you learn what proper play looks and sounds like, and how to read dog body language. The puppies learn to interact and communicate with each other and learn bite inhibition. You will also learn the foundation to training behaviours such as teaching your puppy their name, getting their attention, target a mat, sit, down, and stay.
Each class has a theme. While exploring the weekly theme (whether it is sounds, surfaces, objects and costumes) the puppies are exposed to novel stimuli in a fun and positive manner.
Prevention discussions will include crate training, house training, play biting and chewing.
Each week we will build on your puppy's behaviours.
There are no corrections or reprimands in puppy class. This is to avoid associating you with punishment, it also doesn't tell your puppy what to do, it can create fear and anxiety, inhibit learning and creativity, and corrections can cause and exacerbate behaviour problem.
Socialization and exposure to novelty is always an active process and it's not simply about exposure but about making exposure safe and fun (treats=positive). Always be proactive. Assume your puppy could be afraid of a situation and use treats liberally. Make a positive association from the start. Avoid overwhelming your puppy. If at anytime your puppy appears stressed, create distance from whatever it is that your puppy seems afraid of and allow your puppy to explore at their own pace.
WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS
~A hungry, healthy puppy.
~Please do not vaccinate your puppy the same day as class.
~If you have noticed any signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing or lethargy, please contact your vet and do not bring your puppy to class. Humans can attend.
~An assortment (variety matters!) of TINY, tasty treats (size of a pea). We use a lot of treats in class so bring more than you think you'll need.
~Your puppy's favourite toy.
~A mat, bed or towel.
~Have your puppy on a flat buckle collar or harness and a nylon leash (no flexi leads).
~Please transport your puppy safely in the car, either in a harness / seatbelt or a crate.
~Children under 8 years of age should have 2 adults present.
*I will be putting you into separate areas initially, so as not to overwhelm your puppy. There will be playtime after they have had a chance to settle in. Please do not socialize your puppies outside without my supervision.
Looking forward to seeing you!
ORIENTATION OVERVIEW
● What is socialization and why is it important?
● What to expect in puppy class
● What to bring to puppy class
THE SOCIALIZATION PERIOD is a period of time that can dramatically affect your puppy's future personality! It is from 3 to 16 weeks of age and during this time, your puppy is developmentally open to new experiences.
Socialization is important because it 'vaccinates' your puppy against problem behaviours. No one surrenders or gives up their dog because he can't sit, or come, but 1 in 3 dogs do end up being surrendered due to behavioural problems that could have been prevented. Avoiding socializing your puppy can be just as detrimental as them having a bad experience. Puppy Class facilitates socialization in a safe and fun setting.
Your puppy's behaviour is shaped by genetics, learning and experience.
WHAT HAPPENS IN CLASS?
Your puppy will play with other puppies in controlled, off-leash interactions. This will help you learn what proper play looks and sounds like, and how to read dog body language. The puppies learn to interact and communicate with each other and learn bite inhibition. You will also learn the foundation to training behaviours such as teaching your puppy their name, getting their attention, target a mat, sit, down, and stay.
Each class has a theme. While exploring the weekly theme (whether it is sounds, surfaces, objects and costumes) the puppies are exposed to novel stimuli in a fun and positive manner.
Prevention discussions will include crate training, house training, play biting and chewing.
Each week we will build on your puppy's behaviours.
There are no corrections or reprimands in puppy class. This is to avoid associating you with punishment, it also doesn't tell your puppy what to do, it can create fear and anxiety, inhibit learning and creativity, and corrections can cause and exacerbate behaviour problem.
Socialization and exposure to novelty is always an active process and it's not simply about exposure but about making exposure safe and fun (treats=positive). Always be proactive. Assume your puppy could be afraid of a situation and use treats liberally. Make a positive association from the start. Avoid overwhelming your puppy. If at anytime your puppy appears stressed, create distance from whatever it is that your puppy seems afraid of and allow your puppy to explore at their own pace.
WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS
~A hungry, healthy puppy.
~Please do not vaccinate your puppy the same day as class.
~If you have noticed any signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing or lethargy, please contact your vet and do not bring your puppy to class. Humans can attend.
~An assortment (variety matters!) of TINY, tasty treats (size of a pea). We use a lot of treats in class so bring more than you think you'll need.
~Your puppy's favourite toy.
~A mat, bed or towel.
~Have your puppy on a flat buckle collar or harness and a nylon leash (no flexi leads).
~Please transport your puppy safely in the car, either in a harness / seatbelt or a crate.
~Children under 8 years of age should have 2 adults present.
*I will be putting you into separate areas initially, so as not to overwhelm your puppy. There will be playtime after they have had a chance to settle in. Please do not socialize your puppies outside without my supervision.
Looking forward to seeing you!