PUPPY SOCIALIZATION - AKC - PUPPY S.T.A.R. CLASSES
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Objectives: The goals of these puppy socialization classes will primarily be:

  • Socialization with other animals of the same species and age range to encourage the development of normal social behaviors and to help deter the development of abnormal social behaviors that unsocialized pets might otherwise develop;
  • Socialization with unfamiliar humans and veterinary personnel;
  • Familiarization of pups and their owners with various stimuli that might be met at the veterinary hospital and which might otherwise cause undue fear/stress/anxiety leading to an unpleasant experience for the pet and a conditioned fear response;
  • Familiarization of the pet with stimuli at home that might later be very useful to owners for treatment/maintenance purposes;
  • Utilization of the opportunity to educate owners on basic animal behavior and learning, behavioral modification, positive reinforcement and basic grooming and medical care. These classes are not intended to be organized training or obedience classes.
  • Complete the requisite steps and training necessary to receive the special American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (AKC CGC) Puppy S.T.A.R. certification which is awarded to puppies that complete a training program and are able to display Socialization, Training, Activity and Responsibility according to AKC standards.

General Plan: The classes will last for 6 weeks and will be scheduled with one class per week for 6 consecutive weeks. All participants must be signed up 1 week prior to the first class and attend and complete all 6 sessions to be eligible for the spay and neuter coupon. This 6 week block type plan will optimize learning for the pets through providing consistency, allowing a set plan for each class and by not allowing too much time to lapse between classes. Each class will last 45 minutes to 1 hour. No more than 8 owners and participants per class.

Age: The ideal age ranges for participation is for puppies 8 to 16 weeks. Pets will get the most benefit out of the classes if various ages are represented. Therefore, participants may be up until 1 year of age and attend the program. For safety issues to smaller participants, large breed dogs that are participating at or near 1 year of age (i.e. fully grown) may be asked to wait for a class rotation with other dogs of similar size. 

Mandatory Medical Requirements: With safety in mind, the following precautions must be taken for all participants:

  • All participants must have had a complete physical examination within 2 weeks of the first class. If that exam was done elsewhere, a certificate of health must be presented before the first class;
  • Puppies must have received their first distemper virus, parvovirus and hepatitis vaccine (DHPP) at least 10 days prior to participation in the first class. In addition, the puppies must have had a negative fecal result and/or a broad spectrum dewormer within 10 days prior to the first class;
  • Any pet showing any type or sign of illness, such as diarrhea, vomiting, nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, skin lesions, fever/lethargy etc. within 10 days of a class, can not participate in that class;
  • Any pet that has been exposed to other animals with a potentially infectious disease within 1 month can not participate, even if that pet is currently not showing clinical signs of illness.

General Program Outline:  The following outline is a guideline for the socialization classes.  Educators may, at their discretion change, add, delete or modify the content to meet the needs of the owners and participants.  A detailed agenda will be provided on the night of each class outlining the instruction, activities and homework for that session.    

Week 1 - Orientation, Owners only

  • Discuss what will be covered in the class
  • Answer any questions owners may have out their new puppy
  • Introduction to Positive Reinforcement, "Nothing in Life is Free" and basic training philosophies

Week 2 - Introduction Day

  • Allow puppies and owners to introduce themselves on their own time, this may be a longer process with some shy puppies.  Puppies will be given as much time to become comfortable as needed with little interaction from the owners/instructors.
  • The concept of positive reinforcement will be discussed
  • Brief discussion on training

Week 3 - Basic training/obedience

  • Further discussion on basic training methods, name recognition, recall
  • Practice interacting people outside of the family

Week 4 - "Ride the Scales Day"

  • Puppies will be introduced to the lift tables in the hospital to help reduce stress during a routine vet visit
  • Introduction to the x-ray room and table
  • Discussion on exams you can do at home with your pet

Week 5 - Grooming

  • Wendy Ogden, Owner of Pampered Pets will discuss basic grooming
  • Nail trimming will be discussed
  • Tour of Pampered Pets Salon

Week 6 - Dental/Nutrition/Graduation

  • Home dental care will be discussed
  • Good nutrition for puppyhood, adolescence, and adulthood
  • Estimates for spay/neuter will be given and the procedure discussed
  • Review of any items discussed in previous weeks
  • Graduation

Cost: A charge of $60.00 for the 6 week block would be due and must be made payable at the first class. This will cover costs of toys, treats and time associated with these classes. Upon successful completion of the class, clients will receive a $40.00 off spay or neuter coupon for the exclusive use of the participant at Telford Veterinary Hospital. 

For more information please send an email to puppyclass@telfordvet.com

We look forward to serving you soon.