When should I start Puppy School with my new pup?

Did you know that puppies have a critical socialisation period? Between the age of approximately 3-14 weeks, your puppy's brain is primed to learn about the world around them. They are most likely to be curious and optimistic as they explore the sights, sounds, smells, and experiences around them. This makes the first month that your puppy is home the ideal time to help them experience as much variety as possible.

The Australian Veterinary Association recommends that early socialisation begins with the breeder/rescue and continues with the new family. They highlight the importance of early socialisation prior to the completion of all puppy vaccinations. The value of early socialisation cannot be understated:

"Appropriate and positive early life experiences (socialisation and habituation) are important in preparing puppies and kittens for successful lives as companion animals. These experiences help animals to be compatible household members and to experience good welfare." (1)

Likewise, the Pet Professional Guild Australia (2) and American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (3) both state the importance of positive early life experiences for puppies in their first 3-4 months of life.

When possible, we love seeing puppies begin group puppy classes at 8-10 weeks old. This means that their new family is attending a group class with their pup within 1-2 weeks of bringing them home, receiving expert guidance and advice from the very beginning.

We've had many clients book a spot for their new puppy even before bringing them home - this is the dream! These families are planning ahead and thinking about how best to support their new family member with positive new experiences from the very beginning.

Whether you're first time puppy parents or experienced dog guardians, our group classes offer a safe space for your puppy to experience new sights, sounds, objects, people, and puppies.

We provide an environment where your puppy can learn to settle around distractions, focus during training, and play appropriately with new friends. We supervise closely to ensure no puppy is overwhelmed or frightened as they learn to feel safe and confident in a new space.

Can't make it to a group class? It sounds counterintuitive, but in-home training can be a great option for families who can't find a group puppy class to fit their schedule. We can support you with advice for how to find safe socialisation opportunities for your puppy outside of a class setting.

Treat Play Love runs small group Puppy Classes on Wednesday evenings at our private venue in Highfields. Bookings can be made by contacting us via the Contact Form.

References/Further Reading

(1) AVA Puppy and kitten socialisation and habituation https://www.ava.com.au/policy-advocacy/policies/companion-animals-dog-behaviour/puppy-and-kitten-socialisation-and-habituation/

(2) PPG Australia Puppy Socialization Position Statement https://ppgaustralia.net.au/Library/Position-Statements/PuppySocializationPositionStatement

(3) AVSAB Puppy Socialization Position Statement https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download_-_10-3-14.pdf