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Puppy Dawgs

Start your puppy off on the right paw!

Want a dog who’s socially skilled and confident? Then start training your puppy now! According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), “The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life”. During this time puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing overstimulation manifested as excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.

Because the first three months are the period when sociability outweighs fear, this is the primary window of opportunity for puppies to adapt to new people, animals, and experiences. Incomplete or improper socialization during this important time can increase the risk of behavioral problems later in life including fear, avoidance, and/or aggression. Behavioral problems are the greatest threat to the owner-dog bond. In fact, behavioral problems are the number one cause of relinquishment to shelters. Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs three years of age…”

Class Covers:

    • Socialization that teaches your puppy appropriate introductions to other dogs, people and situations. Socialization helps your puppy build trust in others, the world around him and himself.
    • Techniques to help prevent separation anxiety, resource guarding and aggression towards people and/or dogs.
    • Foundational leadership and confidence building skills.
    • American Kennel Club’s S.T.A.R. Puppy Program — Please note, puppies must attend all six weeks to be eligible for this certificate.

Class Info:

  • Who: For puppies between eight (8) weeks and six (6) months old. Puppies older than six (6) months at the start of class would go into our Beginner Obedience. We also recommend our Dawgie Daycare for socialization and expend their energy!
  • Where: All Dawgs, 30 Railroad Ave, Albany, NY
  • When: Next class starts on
    • Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 7 PM  
    • PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF CLASS 

Register for Classes