585-861-2861
We offer both Puppy classes that include socialization as well as puppy play groups
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Canine Kindergarten: This lesson format is for puppies 10 weeks of age up to 20 weeks (5m). We will go over basics of responsible pet ownership, dogs learning styles, importance of proper socialization skills, tools to keep your pets happy, keeping everyone safe, as well as dog nutritional basics. You will learn how to engage your puppy with the start of basic manners and skills to improve throughout their lifetime.
Some things you will accomplish: Name recognition, sit, come when called (recall), confidence building, potty training/crate training, how to decrease unwanted puppy behaviors such as mouthing, and jumping. $100 for 6 weeks, limited to 6 puppies per class. Please Note: dogs do not attend 1st lesson, informational instruction only. Schedule is noted on Group Lessons page
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This group is dedicated to any puppies or adults under 40lbs who enjoy playing with other dogs or as puppies are learning how to make new friends and socialize. This group is a monitored group where the owners stay and observe and learn while allowing for professional support. Your dogs must be up to date on vaccines per their age requirement and dogs over 6 months of age must be spayed/neutered. Cost is $5 and the schedule is posted under the Puppy Play Group services tab. First time attendees should call first to be sure there is space. 585-861-2861
Puppies
Why Start Early?
A position statement on early socialization in puppies released in July by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior encourages veterinarians to recommend puppies be socialized before the vaccine series is complete.
The guidelines state puppies can start socialization classes as early as 7 to 8 weeks of age. In general, they should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least seven days prior to the first class as well as a first deworming.
Additionally, puppies should show no signs of illness during the classes and should be kept up-to-date on vaccines throughout the class.
While veterinarians are appropriately concerned about infectious disease in young puppies, the fact is that behavioral issues—not infectious diseases—are the number one cause of death for dogs under 3 years of age, according to the AVSAB. Veterinarians contribute to these behavioral issues when recommending pets be kept away from possible germs until their vaccine series is complete, the AVSAB stated.
"Puppies go through a sensitive period of socialization when they are uniquely prepared to benefit from exposure to social opportunities. From the time the owner adopts the puppy until 3 to 4 months of age, it is critical that the owner get the puppy out to meet other animals and people, and experience many different kinds of environments," said AVSAB president, Dr. E. Kathryn Meyer.
"These (unsocialized) puppies may also fail to develop coping mechanisms and grow up into dogs that are unable to adapt to new situations. This can severely inhibit the dog's quality of life as well as the owner's enjoyment of the pet," Dr. Meyer added.
To veterinarians who refrain from recommending early socialization because of the threat of infectious disease, Dr. Meyer suggested taking control of the situation.
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To view a copy of the AVSAB puppy position statement, go to www.AVSABonline.org and click on Position Statements.
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