CLASS POLICIES

CHILDREN

We love kids! And so should dogs! All family members who will be interacting with the puppy are encouraged to attend classes and socials. However, there are times when a child may become bored. Be sure to bring something for your child to do... just in case!

Clean my room!

PUPPY REQUIREMENTS

Puppy must be under 18 weeks upon first session (we can tell by your puppies teeth!).

Puppy Class and Socials: Proof of first set of vaccinations.

Each puppy must have one handler. Friends and family of puppy unlimited!

Registration for Socials is required.

I am puppy-watch me pee

REFUNDS

Puppy Classes: Refunds are issued (minus a $30 registration and processing fee) prior to class if, and only if, we can fill your place in class, and have ample time (minimum of two days) to do so. We regret that we are unable to refund class fees once class has commenced. If something unexpected makes it impossible for you to continue with class, we will do our best to accommodate you in an upcoming class, space permitting (usually not ascertained until the day that class begins).

For these reasons, please think seriously about your schedule and commitment to training, and your dog's suitability for group classes, before enrolling in our classes.

You are more than welcome to come an audit a class before you sign up, in fact we encourage you to do so!

Puppy Socials: No refunds given.

You want WHAT?

MAKE-UP SESSIONS

Life happens! If you miss a lesson, when possible, we invite you to come a little early to the next class to catch up on missed material.  If there is another class running that fits, we will be more than happy to have you attend. Arrangements for these sessions must be made in advance so you can be assured a place in our schedule.

We also offer drop in puppy training sessions.

Ummm, what am I supposed to do again?

TRAINING METHODS

Our training method is based the science of learning theory--operant and classical conditioning. Our training is grounded on reward based methods -- rewards given for good behavior and rewards removed for unwanted behaviors.

Woohooo! Good Job!

VACCINATIONS

YOUR PUP MUST BE CURRENT ON ALL VACCINATIONS  that you and your Vet have determinded to be necessary. We require that you bring the vaccination records to the first class. Please check with your veterinarian to be sure your doggie is current on all shots.

We also respect holistic Veterinary Medicine and it's practices. We accept titers, reduced or no-vaccine schedules on an individual basis and on approval of Veterinarian.  Please contact us for more information.

accinations:  Your puppy does not  need to have his complete set of
vaccinations!   Puppies usually start their DHLPP vaccinations when they
are between 8 to 10 weeks old, and get a booster every 2 to 3 weeks. 
As long as your pup has had his first set of vaccinations, and the last
one was within the last 2 -3 weeks, your puppy is eligible.

If your veterinarian tells you that your pup must have ALL
vaccinations before attending, he or she may not be current
on the latest protocols for puppy socialization and vaccinations.  The
recommendation of the American Society of Veterinary Behavioristsis
(AVSAB)is as follows:
"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 vaccines throughout the class."

If your veterinarian wants more information, you can print out a
flyer from AVSAB that discusses WHY the protocols have changed -
primarily, it's because, "Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases,
are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age. " 
The AVSAB Puppy Socialization Position Statement can be downloaded from
the AVSAB website.

We agree with the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's Position
statement -"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
throughout the class."

The primary and mostostost impoportatant time for puppy socialization
is the first three months of life.1, 2 During this time puppies should
be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as
can be achieved safely and without causing overstimulation manifested as
excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason, the
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should
be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before
they are fully vaccinated.
Because the first three months are the
period when sociability outweighs fear, this is the primary window of
opportunity for puppies to adapt to new people, animals, and
experiences. Incomplete or improper socialization during this important
time can increase the risk of behavioral problems later in life
including fear, avoidance, and/or aggression. Behavioral problems are
the greatest threat to the owner-dog bond. In fact, behavioral problems
are the number one cause of relinquishment to shelters.3 Behavioral
issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for
dogs under three years of age.
While puppies’ immune systems are
still developing during these early months, the combination of maternal
immunity, primary vaccination, and appropriate care makes the risk of
infection relatively small compared to the chance of death from a
behavior problem.
Veterinarians specializing in behavior recommend
that owners take advantage of every safe opportunity to expose young
puppies to the great variety of stimuli that they will experience in
their lives. Enrolling in puppy classes prior to three months of age can
be an excellent means of improving training, strengthening the
human-animal bond, and socializing puppies in an environment where risk
of illness can be minimized.

SmartyPup! Requires one distemper and one parvo shot upon the first
class.

Read more abut what the experts are saying: Roundtable Discussion on the Risks and Benefits of
Early Socialization for Puppies