Puppy Playdates

As a puppy owner, your number one focus should be providing your puppy proper socialization outlets.  Socialization is exposing your dog to novel things in a positive manner so that he can develop into a well-balanced dog.  This process should begin the moment you bring your puppy home.  

 

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has a strong position on this subject and believes it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive socialization before they are fully vaccinated.  Early socialization and positive training can go a long way towards preventing behavior problems and improving bonding between humans and dogs.

 

Dogs go through critical stages in their behavioral development.  During the first 16 weeks of life, puppies learn the basics of interacting in a social group inclusive of other people.  Puppies that miss out on this socialization window often become fearful and lack good social skills around other dogs and people later in life. 

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Requirements: 

• for puppies 9 weeks to 6 months

• must have their first round of distemper and parvovirus vaccinations 

• should be free of parasites, free of infectious disease, and in overall good health.  Please keep your puppy home if he is sniffling, sneezing, coughing, has a runny nose, or shows other signs of illness.

• supervised children welcome (great socialization opportunity for the puppies)

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What to expect: 

• Puppy Playdates are held multiple times per month either at our host location St. PetersBARK at 3001 Central Ave or at one of our beautiful outdoor destinations such as: Crescent Lake Park, Vinoy Park, or the St. Pete Pier

• Trainer supervised off-leash puppy playtime 

• Discussion about dog body language, play-styles, appropriate vs inappropriate play

• Opportunity to ask training questions related to puppy behavior such as potty training, crate training, puppy chewing/mouthing, etc

• Space is limited and registration is REQUIRED.  

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Tuition: FREE