New! For Puppies 8 – 16 weeks old!

Did you know that veterinary behaviorists identify the critical socialization period for puppies as 3 – 14 weeks old?

The first several weeks of socialization comes with their littermates and mother, until they are sold to their new homes. Responsible breeders will not sell puppies prior to 8 – 10 weeks of age. But, not all puppies have these early weeks with littermates. The secondary phase (generally 8 – 14 weeks) happens with a puppy’s new family.

The caveat? Some pet owners are told not to socialize their puppy with other puppies or dogs until they have completed all shots – which is typically after the critical socialization period is over, around 16 weeks old. So what is more important, socialization or vaccination?

Vaccinating your puppy is important, in some cases legally required, and protects your pup from common diseases, just like vaccinations for ourselves. As trainers, we will tell you that puppies who did not get to socialize during that critical period tend to have more behavior problems (fear, anxiety, aggression, inability to play appropriately, etc).

So, we are trying to balance the importance of both socialization and vaccinations.

We are offering a new socialization class for puppies 8 – 16 weeks of age. It costs just $60 (regardless of when you start class). Owners will learn marker training (positive reinforcement techniques) with the commands come, sit, place, down, break, heel and out. Puppies will have time to build some confidence and muscle memory on puppy-appropriate agility-type obstacles, as well as have some social time with classmates.

Classes take place on Saturday mornings at our facility 3910 Sawmill Run Blvd, Pittsburgh, 15227 from 9a-10a. It is a rolling class, so you can just show up when you are ready to attend. On any given week some puppies will be starting their first class while others will be graduating.

Please bring with you:

• your puppy on a 6-foot leash (do not bring a retractable leash)
• a copy of current vaccination records for us to keep (at least the first round, with a negative fecal test)
• small training treats or your food in a baggie (we recommend that you do not feed a full breakfast before class)
• poop bags
• your payment ($60 is due on the first day you come)

While most puppies will start this class at 10 – 12 weeks old, they will have a chance to interact with other pups that have age-appropriate vaccinations during that critical socialization period. Puppies who complete commands, have appropriate level of confidence and good social skills will graduate at 16 weeks and earn a Certificate of Completion. Upon graduating you can sign up for our 4-6 month old puppy class.