We now offer Membership Training for puppies 8 weeks to 16 weeks of age. Our puppy specialist will take your puppy on field trips for familiarization, socialization and exposure.

Socialization includes meeting people including men, children and those in uniforms/hats. Familiarization and exposure includes being around noises such as vehicles, children playing and construction.

Socialization and exposure during the first weeks of your pup’s life are crucial for development. Not only is your pup learning the rules of living with humans and other animals during this time, they are also learning about the world around them. From 8 to 16 weeks, a puppy should ideally meet 300 new people, and should be exposed to different environments and sounds. Behavioral issues associated with lack of socialization can cause fears and phobias that can development into human and/or dog aggression.

In fact, The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s (AVSAB) released this about puppy socialization:

“Because the first three months are the period when sociability outweighs fear, this is the primary window of opportunity for puppies to adapt to new people, animals and experiences. Incomplete or improper socialization during this important time can increase the risk of behavioral problems later in the life including fear, avoidance, and/or aggression. Behavioral problems are the greatest threat to the owner-dog bond. In fact, behavioral problems are the number one cause of relinquishment to shelters. Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age.

AVSAB also says, “The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. During this time puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing over-stimulation manifested as excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated [AVSAB emphasis].”

 

Each socialization session is 1-1.5 hours in length and is done away from your home.

Single Session – $150

Package of 2 – $285

Package of 4 – $525

 

We also offer a Puppy Tour Guide Package. This 4-week package includes:

2 sessions in the home with the owner present

2 field trips with or without the owner

Enrichment toys valued at $45

The price of this package is $700