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The Importance of Early Socialization for Puppies
Bringing home a new puppy to the family is an exciting and memorable time! There are many things to do, like potty training, obedience training, introducing your puppy to friends and family, veterinarian visits, and lots of snuggles and puppy playtime! It can be a lot, but it's important not to let things like socialization slip through the cracks. One of the most important things you can do with your puppy during the first few weeks they are home is socialization.
Properly socializing your puppy is critical to ensure they live a healthy and happy life. During socialization, you will expose your puppy to new sights, sounds, smells, people, and experiences. Doing so will desensitize them to things that might cause fear or unwanted behavior. One of the best ways to effectively socialize your puppy is in puppy socialization classes in Sarasota / Venice. Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida offers guided classes for puppies that introduce them to other dogs and people in a safe and clean environment. To learn more, schedule a free training demo today!
Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite of Southwest Florida location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered.
When to Socialize Your Puppy
Socialization for dogs should be happening throughout their lifetime. Still, getting a good start as early as possible is always best. Socialization for puppies starts at just three weeks old as they begin to engage with their littermates and the world around them. The "sensitive period of socialization," when puppies are primed and ready to try new things, is from 3–14 weeks of age. Because puppies can go to new homes at around eight weeks old, you only have a small window to get that necessary socialization done.
You can start Dog Training Elite puppy socialization classes as soon as you bring your puppy home at eight weeks old! Our classes are puppy safe and provide an excellent opportunity for your puppy to meet new dogs and people and have new experiences outside your home.
What Does Puppy Socialization Look Like?
Puppy socialization is not about teaching new commands or obedience but creating a positive experience around new stimuli. Puppy socialization can look like taking them around your neighborhood, letting them hear and smell things at their own pace, and offering plenty of positive reinforcement and soft treats. It can also look like introducing them to a friend's healthy dog in a safe place and allowing them to greet the dog and learn about social cues and behavior from them, all while offering treats and praise.
Our puppy socialization classes in Sarasota / Venice teach your puppy that even if something is new, it can be safe and fun to explore! We create opportunities for your puppy to safely meet new dogs, smell new things, hear new sounds, walk on different surfaces, and meet new friendly people. Socialization is all about removing fear and entering new situations with curiosity. We do this by ensuring they are in a safe environment and offering plenty of positive reinforcement and puppy treats.
Our Balanced Theory
We base our training around the "Classical Conditioning" model (a.k.a. "Pavlovian" or "respondent conditioning"). This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form (after proper conditioning), when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter.
Empowering Owners
We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times.
Personalized
We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis.
Environment Specific
We train wherever issues tend to arise (i.e. jogging, park, home).
Supportive
We support owners in the off-hours (when training is "not in session").
Involved
We work with all members of the household.
Simplified & Customized
We plan training around the owner's schedule and require only 20 min/day follow-up practice.
Continued Training
Additional programs / group sessions offered after in-home training.
Lifetime Investment
We follow up & are invested in the owner's success long-term.
Satisfaction Ratings
Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors.
clas·si·cal con·di·tion·ing PSYCHOLOGY noun A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired; a response that is at first elicited by the second stimulus and is eventually elicited by the first stimulus alone.
Benefits of Early Puppy Socialization Classes in Sarasota / Venice
Proper puppy socialization from a young age offers many benefits as dogs grow. Socialization teaches puppies about the world from a place of safety and curiosity instead of fear and anxiety. Doing this allows them to enter any situation confidently, which grants you the freedom to bring them along for the ride as you both experience life.
Starting socialization with your puppy as early as possible will give them the best chance of learning that new things aren't bad or scary. When a puppy is not allowed to desensitize and get comfortable with new sights, sounds and smells, they may become overly fearful and unwilling to try something new, which creates a very small and scary world for them.
Give your puppy the best chance at a happy and exciting life with our Dog Training Elite puppy socialization classes! Our classes will allow them to safely engage with new dogs, people, and experiences so they can grow up to be confident and curious dogs.
Find a class near you today!
