SOCIALIZATION CLASSES  introduce and familiarize a puppy to new experiences in ways that help the puppy learn how to respond to and interact with the experiences appropriately and without fear.

The puppy brain is most inclined to accept new experiences between 4 and 12 weeks of age.  From 8 to 12 weeks of age puppies go through a fear imprinting stage.  During this time it is crucial to carefully introduce a puppy to a variety of stimuli every day, and to ensure that the experiences are POSITIVE.  These socialization efforts make the difference in a dog's outlook on life.  Instead of reacting fearfully to new experiences, the dog is comfortable when encountering new things, animals and people.  This helps the dog and everyone else, since the most common cause of unprovoked dog aggression is fear caused by a lack of proper socialization.  Prevention is far better than rehabilitation, so if you can work within a puppy's critical learning window, you can give him the best possible start in life.  Typically, socialization would include:

• Other animals
• Objects (umbrellas, canes, skateboards)
• People (men with beards, people in hats/sunglasses)
• Children of all ages (infants, toddlers & teenagers
• Passing trucks, bikes, wheelchairs
• Odd sounds, loud noises or sudden movement
• Stairs and a variety of surfaces to walk on
• Handling the body - paws, ears, mouth, etc.

It is also a good time to begin training the puppy for good manners and basic behaviors such as come, sit and down using positive reinforcement training methods.

SHOULD YOU WAIT UNTIL VACCINATIONS ARE COMPLETE?

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior states:  "there is always a risk of infection and these signs show up early.  But risks of on-going poor socialization can be equally damaging, leading to fear and aggression later on.  In general, puppies can start puppy socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age.  Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming.  They should be kept up-to-date on vaccinations throughout the class."  (See AVSABonline.org or complete statement.)