When and Why Should Puppies Be Socialized?
Puppies can start socialization as soon as they reach eight weeks. This is about the time you’re bringing home your sweet baby to live with you in their forever home. It’s time to bond and set up routines that will help you and your pup live together in harmony. Puppy training classes should also be an integral part of this period.
Why Socialize Pups?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), most puppies are minimally exposed to other dogs and people. They cite Dr. Ian Dunbar’s book, “Before and After Getting Your Puppy,” who explains that dogs should meet as many varied people as soon as possible—100 or more in the first month home is his ideal. He says “One of the easiest ways to contribute to this necessary level of socialization is to attend puppy classes.”
Because puppy classes introduce pups to a wide range of people and stimuli, research has shown that these pups show less nervousness and separation anxiety later on. Unsocialized puppies, on the other hand, can show more behavior problems down the road.
What Type of Training Should Your Pup Receive?
Positive puppy training goes a long way to help foster a good relationship between pup and parent. Pups who attend training classes for socialization tend to develop a good attitude toward training and grow up ready to please, according to the AKC. Essentially, training becomes fun when positive techniques are used from an early age. The other approach is fearful discipline which tends to have more negative consequences in the long run.
Unfortunately, not all training is created equal. Research shows that most dogs need to be socialized through carefully managed play with other dogs as well as an introduction to various situations and people. The AKC also advises pet parents to” Look for a curriculum with the maximum value for socialization — trainer supervised and controlled interaction between puppies to encourage proper dog-to-dog behaviors; exposure to new sights, sounds, and smells; and handling and restraint exercises.”
Puppy Socialization at A Ruff Day Bark Club
At A Ruff Day Bark Club, we offer two different classes for puppies: socialization and obedience training. Each class is taught by trainers certified in positive reinforcement behavior techniques approved by the International Boarding and Pet Services Association.
Our Puppy socialization classes expose participants to a wide range of people and stimuli to support fear-free growth. Obedience classes focus on basic commands and good manners, but also use custom techniques to help with the specific needs of your pup
We want to take those first steps with you as you get to know your new fur baby. Each class is taught with flexible scheduling to accommodate your busy life. Check out our training page to learn more and enroll your pup.