BEDFORD HEIGHTS, Ohio — New year, New puppy?
Whether part of your 2024 plans or already in your home, getting some early training in is key to their lifelong behavior. Socialization is a big part of that, but it goes way beyond playtime with other dogs, and that's where puppy classes come in.
At 12 weeks old, Onion has come to play and explore at the Sits 'n Wiggles training facility in Bedford Heights. Giving him the chance to check out different activities and objects is a big part of puppy class.
"Going under things, going over things, going through things, working on vet care practices, and even seeing things like walkers or wheelchairs and bikes," owner Valarie Ross-Smith explained. "So they get really used to them and they aren't afraid of them as they become adult dogs."
Ross-Smith is both a certified dog trainer and a dog behavior consultant. By going through puppy classes and socialization at an early age, you can help a dog better deal with strange situations and stressors throughout their lives.
"We really want to make it a very positive experience," Val said as she led Onion to an area with some things that he hasn't yet encountered in his young life. "So while he's walking on the different surfaces, I'm going to make sure we're feeding him, encouraging him."
This is actually a part of the socialization "pie."
"We want them to learn how to meet a lot of different people, go a lot of different places, and visit the vet's office, the groomer's salon, and stores," Ross-Smith told us. "We want them to walk on different surfaces and go to different buildings, because all of that is very important."
Many people think they must isolate their puppies until they've had all their shots. It's true — you don't want to expose them to crowded parks or pet stores until they're fully vaccinated, but it's still a good idea to take them out to explore a bit. To do so, utilize a puppy stroller (a popular re-sale item on sites like Facebook marketplace or craigslist) or a puppy sling carrier.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior says puppies can start socialization classes as early as 7 to 8 weeks, as long as they've have one set of vaccines at least seven days prior to the first class as well as a first deworming. And don't forget to keep up to date on those vaccines as you go through class.
By putting in the time on socialization now, you are opening up a world full of sights and sounds that you and your dog can explore together for many years to come. Interested in Sits 'n Wiggles' puppy socialization classes? Click HERE.