Puppy Training & Socialization Class

Puppy Training & Socialization Class

Early training and socialization are essential if you want a polite, calm, happy-go-lucky adult dog.

For the first year of her life—and especially for the first four months—your puppy soaks up information to last her a lifetime. Not only must you introduce her in a fun and positive manner to all the people, dogs, events, sounds, and sights you want her to be comfortable with later (what we call socialization), you need to teach her patiently and consistently from the very beginning how she should behave in your house, with your family, and when she is out and about with you.

What Is Socialization?

Socialization & Your Puppy
Socialization is the technical name for the process through which puppies familiarize themselves with the world. This crucial period in dogs’ behavioral development—when they are sponges of learning, willing to meet and enjoy most anybody and anything—is brief.

The first and most important stage is between two and four months of age. The second stage reaches into adolescence, with the precise age varying depending on breed and individual temperament. During this time, you lay the foundation for a dog with a sound, even, friendly temperament.

Don't be fooled by a young puppy's social-butterfly nature. Unless you actively work to maintain her friendliness, normal development will soon make her wary of unfamiliar people and things. Too little socialization during puppyhood is the number one reason adult dogs become fearful or aggressive.

Here's a partial list of people, places, and events your puppy should learn to like:

People
Old, young, tall, short, in hats, with sunglasses, using a walker, wearing uniform, etc.

Dogs
Fluffy, wirehaired, smushnosed, wheezing, lumbering, hairless, yappy, etc.

Suburbs
Garage doors, mail carriers, lawn mowers, sprinklers, ball play, tricycles, etc.

Cities
Crowds, cafés, elevators, fountains, construction noise, buses, scaffolding, etc.

Handling
By vet, groomer, the neighbor’s kids, adoring strangers at the park, etc.

Want to know more?
Read the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's article on Puppy Socialization (AVSAB article: Puppy Socialization)

Socialization & Adult Dogs
If your dog missed out on complete socialization, don't despair. Much can be done to remedy the problem—it is just a slower, more challenging process.

At New Beginnings, we have extensive experience in behavior modification of fearful or aggressive dogs using humane, science-based methods that yield real and lasting results.

Call us right away to set up a consultation. Improve your dog's life—and make yours easier.

Socialization & Puppy Safety

Keeping Your Puppy Healthy
We adhere to the strictest possible Health & Safety protocols to avoid the spread of disease. Our protocols have been developed in consultation with two top local emergency and family practice veterinarians, Dr. Kristi Baker and Dr. Rae Nuemann.

Isn’t It Safer To Stay At Home?
On the contrary. Research shows that the risks of under-socializing your puppy and having to contend with dangerous behavior problems are far greater than the risk of contracting a life-threatening disease. Modern standard vaccines provide excellent protection against communicable diseases like parvo and distemper, while the importance of socialization really can’t be stressed enough.

For more information, read these expert articles on the subject: