Puppy social Time!

WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Puppies begin their critical stages of development from birth until they reach about 21 weeks of age. During this time they learn important socialization skills and proper play behavior with other dogs.  Our classes are an off-leash indoor space for puppies to safely socialize with other age appropriate pups while they are still getting their required vaccines.  

This is not a training session, though there will be experienced staff on hand to help encourage healthy play and keep the area clean of messes. This is also an opportunity for your puppy to become social, not just with other dogs, but people as well!  

You love your pets like family but, inevitably, there are times when they can’t be with you. You are your pup’s whole world! Being away from you can be extremely stressful when all they know is your company, love, and attention. Having a head start with a puppy playgroup will allow them an easier transition while you’re away, during grooming appointments, daycare, and vet visits. This experience will help your puppy gain confidence, establish good habits, and start the learning process of becoming a well-rounded pup!

IS THIS A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR MY PUPPY?

Cleanliness and safety are of the utmost importance, especially when dealing with young immune systems. We use veterinary grade kennel cleaners and take extra special care before and after each puppy playgroup. Puppies in the group will only play and socialize with other puppies, however for the safety of all guests,  all dogs that use our services are required to show proof of up-to-date vaccines* before they are admitted into the facility.

Puppies that are not fully vaccinated should not attend dog parks where the health of other dogs can not be regulated and verified. If your puppy is experiencing any vomiting, diarrhea, or symptoms of an upper respiratory infection (runny nose and eyes/coughing/hacking), please keep your puppy home and consult your veterinarian. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) highly recommends socializing a puppy before they are fully vaccinated as the benefits outweigh the minimal risk of contracting a disease in regulated puppy playgroups.  Please note that you must TELL YOUR VET you will be socializing your puppy with other puppies or else they are likely to not administer the shots as needed. 

* WHAT VACCINATIONS ARE REQUIRED?

6 - 8 weeks:  

• Distemper
• Parvovirus
• Bordetella

10 - 12 weeks: 

• DHLPP 1st shot (must include the Leptospirosis vaccine)

16 - 18 weeks: 

• DHLPP 2nd shot
• Rabies.  

HOW OLD DOES MY PUPPY HAVE TO BE?

We require that your puppy is at least 8 weeks of age and has had vaccinations as described above. . Vaccination records will be required before your first playgroup session and updated as they age into their next rounds of vaccines. The age cut off for puppy playgroups is 4 months of age when they can transition into dog daycare.