When Hounds Fly!

Puppy Training - What it is and Why it CAN'T Wait

If you are bringing home a new puppy, it is critical to note that from the age of 8 weeks to 16 weeks, you have a narrow window of opportunity to train, expose, and socialize your puppy to nearly 100 types of stimuli - which includes meeting a wide variety of people, meeting other puppies and friendly adult dogs (that are healthy and vaccinated), and many new environments.

Puppies that do not have this exposure (puppy mill puppies, unsold puppies at pet stores, or puppies with owners who don't do this work) often end up fearful and distrusting for the rest of their adult lives.

Similarly, many behavioral issues (nipping, jumping, pulling on leash) can also be easily addressed at this young age.  Most dogs under the age of 1 that end up in shelters are usually denied the critical early training that would have prevented these issues from becoming serious.

Adult dogs that missed out on this early education can be trained to be wonderful family pets, but the level of effort required will be greater.  So why not give your puppy a leg up in life? 

When Should Puppies Start Puppy Socialization Class?

As soon as they have their first set of shots.  This is the official position of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB):

"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."

Full position statement can be downloaded here:  AVSAB Position on Puppy Socialization.

What age range is allowed for Puppy Socialization Classes?

Your puppy must be between 8 weeks to 16 weeks at the start of the program.  In between 16-24 weeks, most breeds enter a period of significant growth both physically and mentally, and will likely be too large and play too rough for puppies younger than 16 weeks.  As a result, it's better for your 4 or 5 month old puppy to attend class with other adult dogs.

Why is it so important to attend Puppy Socialization class so early?

Again, an extract from the AVSAB Position on Puppy Socialization.

"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 under three years of age."

In a nutshell, the risk of catching parvo or canine hepatitis or any other infectious disease from going to a sanitary puppy classroom is far lower than risk of your puppy developing a behavioral issue due to lack of socialization under 12 weeks of age.  It is purely a risk management decision.

Is When Hounds Fly safe for my puppy only after one set of shots?

We take sanitation extremely seriously for all of the dogs that are enrolled in our school, regardless of age.  Here are the ways we minimize risk of harm to your puppy and your family:

1. We are the only dog training school that has an orientation session before any dog is allowed to join a group class.  This is an opportunity to explain all the protocols for class and also collect proof of vaccination before their dogs actually are allowed on premises.

2. Puppy class is always taught first in the schedule.  Adult classes occur after, so that by end of day, the facility can be sanitized with a mix of bleach and water.

3. Our facility has no carpet or other absorbent materials (floor is linoleum) which ensures we can clean it thoroughly and easily and reduce the risk of disease being harboured.

In contrast, public spaces, such as poles, fire hydrants, dog parks, puddles of water, communal dog water bowls, etc. present a significantly higher risk of disease transmission.

Can you recommend other resources to help with bringing home our puppy?

Yes!  Send us a note and we'd be happy to forward you materials to help you prepare for your puppy's arrival, and how to handle the two most important things to be ready for - 1) Potty training and 2) Crate training/alone-time training.

Ready to Start?

Check out information on our classes by clicking on the Group Class link.