We abide by the recommendation and vaccination protocols set forth by your personal licensed veterinarian for you and your particular pet.

Vaccination efficacy, schedules, and risks are under study and change and many veterinarians are adjusting their recommendations accordingly. For this reason we do not dictate exactly what or how many vaccinations your pet must have prior to class attendance. We feel this decision is best left to your personal veterinarian.

Your dog or puppy must be seen regularly by a licensed veterinarian and deemed to be in good health, free of communicable disease or parasites, and adequately protected against disease for your dog's health and the health of our other students.

We ask that dogs adopted from shelters wait at least 10 days prior to attending class to guard against any diseases that may be incubating following their time in the adoption kennels.

Click HERE to download your veterinary permission slip.

Please send it in with your check or bring it with you to the first class.

Thanks!

How young can my puppy start training?

When your vet gives the go ahead, you may begin group classes. Socially, the younger the better. Physically, as soon as he has completed enough vaccinations to protect him in a disinfected class environment with other vaccinated puppies. (On average, most area vets allow them to come after 3, some after 2.)

Vets often take into consideration hereditary tendencies and the fact that some breeds are at higher risk for anti-social behavior and so absolutely essential that they receive early and rich socialization opportunities.

What if my veterinarian says to wait?
Until your puppy has had adequate vaccinations, do not put your puppy on the ground in public places where unvaccinated animals may have been.

This doesn't mean you can't socialize him! Carry him with you on outings so he can see and hear and smell the world from the safety of your arms.

Great article: "The Magic Pill for Puppies" - excerpt:

"Imagine: You are standing in the veterinarian’s office with your pup. The doctor tells you that there is a new medication that prevents the leading cause of death in dogs. You have to give it once a day for eight weeks, it doesn’t have any negative side effects, it is free, and it is proven to work.

Would you give it? I would! This is your lucky day; because there is a magic pill that does all of that and more! It will help prevent aggression, thunderstorm phobia and other behavioral disorders. But there’s no reason to call for the magic pill. You already have it. It’s socialization!"

More information to consider:

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
Position Statement on Puppy Socialization

AAHA guidelines from DVM magazine

Vaccinations - how many, how often?

How a Common Recommendation for Puppies Can Place Your Pup at Risk