Dogs must be under 22 lbs (a little wiggle room allowed).

Size does matter when you are a small dog." We understand that the world can feel overwhelming for little dogs. Our Small Dog Socials focus on positive interactions and learning in a supportive environment. We help small dogs develop respect for boundaries, respond to directives, and engage in healthy interactions. It's a place for both pets and their owners to understand and adapt to the challenges faced by smaller breeds, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship.

Small dogs must be under 22 lbs (a little wiggle room allowed).

Small dogs are anywhere from two to 22 pounds in weight, though the sizing of these dogs can be broken down a little bit further though. Miniature dogs are on the smaller end of the small dog spectrum, weighing anywhere from three to 12 pounds, with two more distinctions able to be made. -Google

At SmartyPup!, we specialize in fostering the growth and development of small dogs through our unique "Small Dog Social hour." A small dog haven for dogs dogs up to 25 pounds discover the joy of social interaction in a safe, nurturing environment.

Small Dog Socials:
Our "Small Dog Socials" are at the core of what we do. We understand that small dogs often face specific challenges, such as leash reactivity, including behaviors like barking, growling, and lunging. Our socials are tailored to address these issues in a supportive, controlled setting, allowing your puppy to interact off-leash with fellow pups. This helps your furry friend gain confidence, social skills, and a sense of comfort around other dogs, which is crucial for their overall well-being.

Beyond Play: A Comprehensive Approach to Socialization

At SmartyPup!, our "Small Dog Socials" are more than just playtime. They are a structured opportunity for your pup to practice their social skills and maintain a positive demeanor towards other dogs and people. Our experienced trainers supervise these sessions, ensuring a safe, positive, and educational experience for all.

Join Us

Your time at SmartyPup! promises to be filled with memorable moments. Join our "Small Dog Socials" and watch as your dog flourishes in an environment that celebrates their individuality and caters to their specific needs. Be a part of a community that values compassionate training and cherishes the unique bond between you and your small dog. Together, let's create a world where every little paw steps confidently and every tail wags with joy.

All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations.
- Must have been in your care for at least 7 days.
- Under local veterinarian care (puppies under 16 must have had their first health check within the past 14 days).

All ages welcome

Dog Behavior Experts agree that while occasional illnesses do occur, there is no significant spread of infection within the classes, even when community outbreaks of diseases like parvovirus and kennel cough are considered. No instances of disease spread or life-threatening infections stemming from class activities.

Dr. Messer highlights that despite a trend towards younger puppies attending classes with fewer vaccinations, there has been no increase in disease transmission, reflecting the effectiveness of the precautions taken by instructors.

The consensus among these professionals is clear: the advantages of early socialization in a structured class setting, with appropriate health protocols in place, decisively outweigh the small risk of infectious diseases.The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recently released a position paper (AVSABonline.org)

Unlock Your Puppy's Potential: The Science Of Early Socialization

At SmartyPup!, our socialization classes are not just about fun and games – they're a science-backed investment in your puppy's future. Drawing from the expertise of leading veterinarians, we've crafted a program that emphasizes the critical importance of early socialization, as outlined by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB).

The Expert Consensus

The most crucial aspect of a puppy’s behavioral development is proper socialization during their critical developmental period, which ends by 16 weeks. Beginning socialization from the day you bring your puppy home is not just recommended; it's imperative for their future well-being.

Balancing Risks with Behavioral Benefits

Dr. Ian Dunbar, a renowned behaviorist, assures that the risks associated with attending early puppy classes are minimal, while the benefits are immense. In a structured class setting, puppies learn bite inhibition and proper interaction with people and their canine peers.

A well-run puppy classes lay the groundwork for happy, balanced dogs. The risk of behavioral problems in unsocialized dogs, which can lead to relinquishment or euthanasia, far exceeds the risk of contracting infectious diseases in a controlled environment like our classes.

A Safe Environment for Learning

Our classes are designed with health protocols that align with veterinary guidance to minimize risks. Dr. Jennifer Messer notes the relative safety and low incidence of disease transmission in puppy socialization classes, affirming that the controlled exposure to a treatable infection is a small price to pay for the substantial benefits gained.

Join Us at SmartyPup!

By choosing SmartyPup! for early socialization and training, you're making an informed decision backed by veterinary science. You're not only enhancing your puppy's ability to navigate the world confidently but also solidifying the bond you share

Our puppy socials are held in a sanitized space that is divided into two parts. The first-timers and the cautious pups get their own protected area to explore safely; we call it the 'eighties dance room'. Then, when they are ready, they can join the more experienced group in the 'mosh pit'!

Under our ever-watchful eyes, puppies learn how to build healthy relationships with one another. Socials are a great way for puppies to enjoy interactions with other puppies and their people while burning off energy!

Training a puppy should be a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Puppies are absolutely wonderful. Not a spiteful bone in their bodies; only curiosity, inexperience and a mastery of the here and now. Respect your puppy for its “puppy-ness”. 

Gently teach your puppy our strange human ways: things like “Come” when your puppy is having a perfectly good time doing something else; “No Jumping” when greeting people... a totally natural way for dogs to great EACH-OTHER; “ “Down” when your puppy is not tired or chewing on something or even sillier: “Don’t touch” when there is a perfectly good 3 day old piece of salami or electrical cord on the ground…Above all remember you are dealing with a BABY who has been on this planet for less than 4 months. They don’t really know anything for sure! Above all enjoy your puppy like a PUPPY, not a dog, but a puppy!

All the behaviors you are experiencing are normal for a puppy ...things like biting you, chewing and ingesting everything and anything left within reach, peeing and pooping where ever and whenever “that feeling” hits, jumping up, barking, growling, snapping, running away, crying when left alone, following you EVERYWHERE, … Each problem is solved through management, reinforcement of the behaviors you like, and instructive reprimands (time out’s /withdrawing of attention) of those you dislike—100% of the time. Yes, 100% of the time.

Therefore, constant management and consistency are paramount! Be aware of the behaviors you are reinforcing and not reinforcing!. For example, do you give your puppy attention when she jumps on you? Hmmm, did you look at her when she jumped on you? If the answer is yes, then you are reinforcing the behavior. If you have begun reprimanding her for jumping up, but the jumping up is still occurring, well then guess what? You are actually positively reinforcing jumping up. It is a difficult concept for humans to embrace, but most attention for a puppy is positive, even if you think it may be negative. Especially if they are not getting enough attention for the appropriate behaviors. Please pay close attention to WHAT and WHEN you give your puppy attention.

Here's what to expect in class:

Puppy Class contains a mix of people AND puppies; the experience is microcosm of what you and your puppy will encounter in day-to-day life.

Puppies must learn that there species comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes: 150 pounds, 50 pounds, 5 pounds; pointy ears, floppy ears, ears that are long and sweep the ground, noses that protrude or are barely discernible… Puppies, by 12 to 16 weeks, must learn that other pups have very different play styles. Exposure to each other at an early age, preferably before 12 weeks old, is critical. Small breeds like Malteses, Poodles and Yorkies must learn that both German Shepherds, Mastiffs and Basset Hounds are dogs, too, and…. vice versa! 

The first day of a puppy class or social for your pup is comparable to the first day of kindergarten for a child . . . exciting and somewhat intimidating at the same time. Can you think back to that day? Some kids cried and didn't want to be there, while others had a blast right away. Some parents relaxed knowing their kids would be fine, while others stuck nervously close just in case. You are going to experience the same thing in our Puppy Class.

Your puppy may be a wallflower at first--hiding under a chair, or preferring to stay on your lap, watching. That’s fine -- when they're ready, they'll come out to play. It may take 20 minutes or it could take weeks! We let the pups decide when they are ready to engage. 

Or, your puppy may go the Tarzan route -- pouncing around the room with excessive enthusiasm! That can be scary too!

The bottom line is puppies come with different personalities and progress at different speeds. 

During play, you'll see barking, growls of joy and warning, whining, snarling, yips of fear and excitement, snapping, biting, wrestling, running, hiding, and pawing -- just to name a few behaviors. If a pup gets nipped too hard or approached too quickly . . . you will hear a loud yelp or see a pup head for the hills! It’s ok. They'll be fine and eventually -- get right back out there. They’re just surprised and they need to learn how to communicate with their new playmate. Something like "Hey, stop that! I don’t like that!” or “I don't want to play with you right now. Go away.” In addition, you may see a puppy naturally roll onto it's back -- an appeasement gesture to ward off further interactions. Or one puppy pounce near another pup trying to initiate play … the pounced pup may screech with terror, but when he realizes that, in fact, there was nothing to fear and that all is well in puppydom … he will bounce back and try again. The Pouncer (or Perpetrator) will learn that he needs to be a bit "smoother" in his effort to get other pups to play with him. 

These behaviors all occurred within your puppy's litter and now needs repeating as pups meet their new friends. It is a learning experience for all, full of trial and error. Puppies need to learn to how to be a dog, and they do this by interacting with their peers. You will learn about how dogs communicate what is normal and necessary and what is not. Get ready to be surprised!

Humans have created a variety of dog breeds to specialize in certain tasks, so when some hard-wired behaviors come out in play, the behaviors may appear exaggerated. That's why it is sooo important to fully understand your puppy's temperament and personality, and, his breed. How do you do that? By watching and observing in class!

Under 16 weeks old

First set of Vaccines: at least 1 distemper, parvovirus and bordatella vaccine. Or as recommended by your Vet.

Training a puppy is a journey filled with joy and challenges. Puppies, with their boundless curiosity and zest for life, are not driven by spite but by a natural inclination to explore and learn. Embracing their 'puppy-ness' is key. It's about guiding your puppy to navigate our human world – a world where commands like "Come," "No Jumping," "Down," and "Don’t touch" often go against their natural instincts.

Remember, you're nurturing a baby dog who's barely been on this planet for four months. Their understanding of life is just beginning. Treasure every moment with your puppy, as a puppy, not just as a dog.

Understanding Puppy Behaviors: The Science of Growing Up

Puppy behaviors – biting, chewing, indiscriminate eating, house soiling, jumping, barking, and more – are all normal developmental stages. Addressing these behaviors involves a combination of management, positive reinforcement for desirable behaviors, and gentle, instructive reprimands for undesirable ones. Consistency is crucial. Be mindful of the behaviors you're inadvertently reinforcing. For instance, if you give [Pup's Name] attention when they jump up, you're encouraging that behavior, even if the attention seems negative to you.

What to Expect in Puppy Class: A Microcosm of Doggy Society

Our Puppy Class mirrors the diverse world [Pup's Name] will encounter. Puppies learn that their species varies greatly – from the tiny Yorkie to the majestic Mastiff. Early socialization, ideally before 12 weeks old, is critical in helping them understand different play styles and appearances of other dogs.

First Day of Puppy Class: A New Adventure

Much like a child's first day at kindergarten, the first puppy class can evoke a mix of emotions. Your puppy might be shy or overly exuberant. Understanding and respecting their individual personalities and growth pace is essential.

The Language of Play: Understanding Canine Communication

During playtime, puppies express a wide range of emotions and intentions through barking, growling, whining, snapping, and more. It's their way of communicating boundaries and preferences to their peers. This interaction is a vital part of their social learning, teaching them the nuances of canine communication.

Breed-Specific Behaviors: Embracing Natural Instincts

Each breed brings its unique traits to playtime. Observing these behaviors in class provides invaluable insights into your puppy's temperament and inherent traits. Understanding these aspects will help you tailor your approach to training and socializing your pup

Join us in class to embark on this enlightening journey with your puppy. Together, we'll explore the fascinating world of puppy development and communication.