Congratulations! You have a new puppy!

We understand how becoming a puppy parent can be exciting, overwhelming, and frustrating all at the same time.

The little furball that is your puppy is counting on you for everything. You want to raise a confident, well-behaved puppy that becomes the dog that everyone in the neighbourhood wants to be friends with, and that you can bring along with you to work, the cottage, friend’s houses, the park, and other adventures.

What’s the key to avoid ending up with a “Covid puppy” that snaps at other dogs, shies away from strangers, and is always nervous and anxious?

The answer? It’s early socialization.

Since 2010, Toronto’s best socialized puppies have depended on our expert run Puppy Start Right classes for that early leg up.

• Start Anytime means open enrollment (we welcome new students every day)
• Classes are taken in any order
• Each class has some training, some puppy raising topics, and socialization time
• You can attend any of our Toronto locations (mix and match, or stick to one – you choose!)
• Don’t wait till they have all their vaccinations! This class is JUST for puppies under 16 weeks.
• Larger breed dogs should start early as possible.
• Too large, or too old? Check out Foundation Skills

• The first 3 months of life for a puppy is the most important time for socialization
• Puppies must be exposed safely to other dogs, people, animals, stimuli, and environments
• A safe, controlled, supervised environment is essential, such as Puppy Start Right classes at When Hounds Fly
• The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends that puppies start in a puppy class prior to receiving all core vaccinations
• Sadly, dogs that are kept away until after 4 months often have lifelong fear and anxiety issues