Off Leash Puppy Class Starts on 1/17/2012

Are those cats in there?

This year we celebrate 30 years of Off Leash Puppy Socialization, introduced by Ian Dunbar, founder of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers).

We now have scientific proof that puppies that are not exposed to other young puppies in a positive way have a much higher rate of exhibiting aggression when they become adolescents.

Knowing how critical it is to allow young puppies to play with other young puppies please find time to attend an Off Leash Play Class with your new puppy!

While you can train a puppy at any age, socialization is best done between the ages of 8 and 14 weeks.  It is important to have your puppy receive at least one set of shots before attending any classes.  Again, make sure you attend an Off Leash class so your puppy can grow to be the most balanced he can be!

I sometimes have clients attend 2 sessions of Puppy Socialization before entering a manners class. We expose your puppy to dogs, strange people, children, cats, birds, stairs, different types of footing, crutches, skateboards, sweeper hoses and many different noises.  Learning how to desensitize your pups to new things and allowing you pup to to learn how to resolve conflict is essential!

Who does not love a dog with a soft mouth?  One with good emotional control, void of guarding behaviors.  Most of the problem behaviors I see every day could have been avoided with proper socialization!