Puppy Socialization Classes

It’s crucial for puppies to repeatedly meet a variety of dogs during their neurological development phase known as the Critical Window for socialization, and to continue that through puppyhood. Since the Critical Window begins to close around 12-16 weeks of age, it’s important for puppies to have repeated experiences with other dogs early – even though vaccinations are not typically completed until 16 weeks of age.

So there is some risk on a medical level because they may not be fully vaccinated-- But on the other hand, it’s not a risk but a rather a certainty that a dog who has not been socialized during the Critical Window will grow up to be fearful, reactive, or aggressive as an adult, when there is significant difficulty in reversing it. And so it’s a balance of risk vs. benefit.

It is important to acknowledge that there is always some risk present when a puppy has not completed all their vaccinations. However, it is notable that it is the official position of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior that despite this risk, it is crucial for puppies to be socialized to 3 categories of stimuli: People, other dogs, and new environments-- even before their shots are completed.

Read more about the ABSAB position statement on puppy socialization here.

That said, out of an abundance of caution, puppies are not permitted to begin Puppy Play School until they have received their 3rd round of vaccines-- usually occurring around 11-13 weeks old. Because this is towards the end of the Critical Window, it is recommended that puppies have positive play experiences 1-on-1 with fully vaccinated dogs until this point. PPS should not be the puppy’s first experience with other dogs.

To help minimize risk and maintain as safe an environment as possible, the following cleaning protocols are in place for the outdoor training & play area…

• The entire floor of the play area is disinfected weekly with an antimicrobial solution designed for canine areas (vets, kennels, etc.) that kills viruses, parasites, and bacteria, including but not limited to: Parvovirus, Rabies, Distemper, Giardia, Bordetella, and Leptospirosis.

• Water bowls are washed & disinfected before every play session.

• Toys are washed & disinfected before every play session.

• Toys are not shared between play groups.

• Turf is rinsed 3x/week.

A puppy claims a spot to attend regularly for a period of time. While I’d love to have your puppy stay to play as long as possible, I limit attendance for a certain duration if there are other younger puppies waiting to join. If there is not a waiting list, your puppy may continue until someone needs the spot, or until s/he is no longer a good fit for the group. On average a puppy attends for approximately 3 - 6 months. I may have other play groups available for your puppy to move into if there is space available.

Puppy Play School is not a “drop in” program akin to commercial daycares. Because it is a very small group, each puppy who joins the program is expected to attend every week until either the owner wishes to stop or until the space is needed for a newer, younger puppy.