Puppy Socialization Classes

The first step in having a well mannered, educated dog is puppy socialization. The WHS puppy socialization class gives young dogs a chance to socialize and learn good puppy behaviour
at this critical time in their lives. This is a great opportunity
that is often missed by many owners.

During the class, the pups will get to spend off-leash time
playing with other puppies while learning how to behave with
other dogs. Owners will also work with the puppies on important skills such as how to listen during distractions, how to inhibit play-bites, and how to feel comfortable with humans handling their food, teeth and bodies.

All family members are encouraged to attend classes. Young children, 3 years of age and older, will benefit greatly by being included and learning how to interact and manage behaviour of their new puppy.  Puppies benefit by having the children in class so they can socialize with different ages and sizes of children and learn to accept leadership of children.  Families and puppies enjoy learning together in these classes.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes so you can relax and enjoy learning with your puppy.  We sit on the floor so some of you may wish to bring a small cushion to sit or kneel on.

Classes are approximately 60 minutes in length and run for 6 continual weeks. 

Puppy Information

All puppies must be between 2 months and 4.5 months of age at the time of first class.

Please make sure your puppy has been examined by your veterinarian for general health, is free of external and internal parasites and has had the first and second vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian.  It is your responsibility to monitor your puppy’s health, daily.  If your puppy seems ill or does not eat or play as usual, please take puppy to your veterinarian immediately.  Bring puppy to class only when puppy is well and healthy to enjoy learning with other pups and people.  Puppy must be carried into the classroom.  Classes missed because of illness may be taken in future weeks.

To motivate your puppy to be eager to learn, and to make learning easy and quick during class time, we will be rewarding puppy with tasty food as well as lots of praise, petting and affection.  To make sure your puppy will be hungry enough to respond to food during class, do not feed food or treats after 1:00pm on the day of class, but give water as usual.  You are asked to bring a small bag of your puppy’s favourite treats (should be the size of the top of your pinky finger), mixed in with some of his regular kibble. We will have additional treats to help with increased motivation. Selecting treats for puppy class is important to keep in mind that the classes will be very distracting for your pup.  Use treats that are considered valuable for your pup.

Classes are held on Sundays in the WHS Clinic. Don’t forget to bring your newest furry family member to every class (including the first one).

Cost is only $125. A $25 cancellation fee applies. Sorry, no refunds if cancellation occurs two weeks or less before classes start.

Call 204-982-2035 to register.

(The status of these sessions is updated periodically. It is best to call 204-982-2035 to confirm class availability)

Check back for upcoming 2013 dates

Enrollment is open and ongoing

Resources:

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior

Position Statements

http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80&Itemid=366

Puppy Socialization Classes

http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/puppy%20socialization.pdf

Position statement from Dr. R.K. Anderson here

Purdue University Position Statement here