Puppy Socialization and Habituation
THE MOST IMPORTANT TIME OF YOUR DOG'S LIFE
This FREE group meets Thursdays at 7pm. and Saturdays at 11:15am.
We do not meet on holidays.
If you have a puppy, socialization must be your main focus in the weeks and months to come. Puppy socialization is low-stress exposure to various aspects of everyday life – people, dogs, surfaces, noises, etc. Always make sure it’s not a stressful event. Early socialization and habituation for puppies is critical to raising a happy and well-adjusted adult dog. Many families don't begin to socialize their puppies until almost 6 months of age completely missing their socialization period, at which point owners are working against the clock and standard brain development to introduce their dogs to new environments, other puppies, and a variety of people.
What is puppy socialization?
When we talk about puppy socialization, we are referring to the first 16 weeks of your dog's life. This developmental period shapes your dog's future character, temperament, and behavior around family, strangers, dogs, and its environment.
Why is it so critical?Puppies that aren't introduced to a wide variety of people, other dogs, and different environmental stimuli are at a significantly higher risk of behavioral issues like chewing, barking, separation distress and separation anxiety, and aggression toward other dogs and strangers. These dogs can suffer from great stress and anxiety in situations that they are unfamiliar with. These issues are mostly preventable.
Who is this class for?
Puppies between 8 weeks to 6 months. On your pet's first day, please bring a copy of their vaccination records to date with you and allow yourself 10 minutes before the class begins to fill out paperwork. Please be responsible and do not bring dogs that have been under the weather to class. Also, please wait at least 10 days after you bring your puppy home before participating.
What happens if I don't socialize my dog at a young age?
Under socialized puppies turn into dogs who are afraid of everything new. Some dogs end up shy, others react with aggressive displays towards new people and dogs. An unfortunate but undeniable fact is that the number one reason why dogs end up being euthanized is through a lack of socialization from the associated problems that arise.
Think about a dog you've met who immediately cowers anytime someone tries to pet them, or a dog that you fear might bite you if you get any closer to it. Think about dogs that can't enjoy playing with other dogs because they are too stressed, or reactive. What about the dog that goes berzerk every time you mow the lawn or vaccum? Worse, the dog that cowers in utter and complete fear during thunderstorms and suffers each year through the 4th of July fireworks. These things are all preventable through early socialization and habituation.
But My Puppy Isn't Fully Vaccinated...
The risk of a dog losing its life or home because of a behavior problem (being put down or surrendered to a shelter) is 1000x greater than the risk of him contracting a disease from another puppy during puppy socialization class.
While it is not recommended you socialize your dog at unsanitary locations like the dog park or the pet store, we take special precautions to provide an environment that is cleaned prior to and following each puppy class so that there is very low to no risk for contracting illness. Still worried? Check out the articles linked below and see for yourself that the benefits of early socialization should be part of raising a well-adjusted pup!
What does the class cover?
During the puppy socialization class, we have several structured activities centered around play and handling, and recall that allow the pups to get used to meeting new dogs and people of all ages, and encourage healthy interaction with strangers.
These exercises also expose the puppy to handling that they will encounter throughout their life such as at grooming or veterinary appointments, or even in a dog day camp or boarding facility. A good portion of the class is dedicated to off-leash playtime with other dogs of similar age and size with a focus on off-leash recall during these high distractions. We'll also discuss and work on bite inhibition. By allowing for playtime mixed with structure such as this we set the dogs up to succeed in their interactions with other dogs, people, and most importantly, we teach them household living skills. They learn from each other how to communicate and play appropriately in a group environment so that later in life, this type of endeavor isn't so scary or stressful and is instead an enjoyable experience for the whole family. We also provide guidance on ways for your new pet to gain exposure to new environments and people outside of class, cover basic care and creative solutions for problem behaviors. Dogs that have received the benefit of early socialization can and do go on to lead happy and healthy lives!
When is this class?
This is a drop in class made available to all healthy and vaccinated puppies under 6 months of age. This group meets every Saturday at 11:15 at the address below.
What does this class cost?
This class is free of charge! Take Advantage!
6801 W 117th Ave # F3
Broomfield, CO 80020
303-875-2369
If you are interested in participating, please give us a call at 303-875-2369 or join our meetup group!
