Introduction
Dogs go through a socialization period from about the first 4 weeks to 15 weeks of their lives.
In this time it is crucial to get them around other dogs of all ages, people from all walks of life, and other animals.
Not only should they be exposed to other living creatures, but they also need to be exposed to different environments and contexts. We want to teach them that the changing world is a wonderful thing! This is why puppy class is a necessary part of your pup's journey!
It is our position, as well as the position of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), that puppies can and should attend classes even if they have not completed their full round of vaccinations. The AVSAB position statement reads, “In general, puppies can start puppy socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up-to-date on vaccines throughout the class.” You can read their full position statement HERE.
For information on how to properly socialize your puppy, please check out the following articles from some of our favorite sources:
Socializing your puppy: why “later” is too late
Properly socializing your puppy
The Classes
Puppy Kindergarten 1 - Open Enrollment
This class is for puppies 18 weeks and UNDER
Start and come ANYTIME. These classes work differently than standard puppy k 1 classes, which are linear. The Puppy K 1 Open Enrollment offers flexibility and convenience. Each week is a different theme, which everyone will be doing for the first time together. For example, if you start class at week 4, your six weeks will be 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3.
Not only does the structure make us unique, but our curriculum does as well! You will get more than just sit, down, stay, come, etc out of your class. Our program is structured around building bonds and engagement, thus creating a pup that LOVES to work with you, which is the first step to creating a well behaved companion.
We are located at Rosedale Mills - Town and Country store in Pennington, NJ. Being located in a store not only provides WONDERFUL opportunities to have your instructor show you how to strategically apply behaviors to real-life situations, but also provides amazing socialzation opportunities to other stimuli. In any given class, your pup will be exposed to other pups, people, cats, different surfaces, noises and more!
CLASS TOPICS
Week 1 - Attention/Engagement, Down, Mat Work, Drop It, Socialization
Week 2 - Sit, Down, Mat Work, Drop It, Socialization
Week 3 - Engagement, Polite Greetings
Week 4- Leash Walking, Down, Mat Work, Drop It, Socialization
Week 5 - Recall, Down, Mat Work, Drop It, Socialization
Week 6 - Leave It, Down, Mat Work, Drop It, Socialization, Puppy S.T.A.R. (for graduates)
CLASS DETAILS
$45/class - 6 week rolling curriculum
All classes taught by owner, Stephanie Kowalewski
"Homework"/supportive materials sent after each class
Friday @ 10am
Saturday @ 9am and 10:15am