puppy socialization

puppy socialization
Rugby enjoys seeing all the other pups during his stay at Dogtopia!

Puppies are the greatest, and during the month of December many lucky people receive a puppy as a Christmas gift.  It’s important to remember that a puppy is a lifetime commitment, and as such you need to start them off right. Those first few months are a crucial time to accomplish puppy socialization, which can be done through puppy classes or simply by taking your puppy to new exciting areas (all of this after they’ve had their vaccinations, of course!). One simple, easy way to socialize your puppy is by bringing them to Dogtopia.  If you, like many, are going out of town for the holidays or during the bitter cold winter months, puppy boarding is a great way to get your dog used to other dogs and people in short order.

Puppy socialization helps your pup gain confidence in the world.  By introducing them to new people, sights, sounds, and other dogs, they’ll get comfortable with new situations.  Puppies who have been properly socialized do far better in public places, such as when you walk your dog around lovely open air malls like Partridge Creek.  Puppies can begin staying at Dogtopia at 12 weeks of age, which is a perfect time for them to socialize.  Make sure you have read our “new client” page to understand what to expect and the vaccinations that are necessary to participate.

A meet and greet evaluation will be essential before bringing your pup in for puppy socialization.

EVALUATION INCLUDES:

  • Response to staff touch/interaction
  • Comfort level in a crate* or suite*
  • Reaction in “open play” setting with other dogs of varying size, breed, and temperament
  • Overall observations

At this time, once your pup passes the evaluation, they’re in!  They can begin coming in for doggy daycare or puppy boarding, which takes advantage of our open play doggy daycare environment for socialization and exercise. You’ll love watching your pup gain confidence.  Call us today to set up an tour!