


| Paging #: (315) 908-COZY Sandy Creek, NY Watertown, NY |
| The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. Even if you have already taught your puppy some basic manners, there are MANY benefits to enrolling in socialization class. Puppy socialization is the foundation for a happy adult dog life! The Process of Socialization (taken from the AVSAB Position Paper on Puppy Socialization) Puppies should be handled from birth, learning to accept manipulation of all body parts. Every effort should be made to expose them to as many different people, well-socialized animals, situations, places, etc. as possible. Puppies should be encouraged to explore, investigate, and manipulate their environments. Interactive toys and games, a variety of surfaces, tunnels, steps, chutes, and other stimuli can enrich the puppy's environment. Puppies should accompany their breeders/owners on as many car trips as possible. These exposures should continue into classes can offer a safe and organized means of socializing puppies and more quickly improve their responsiveness to commands. Each puppy should have age appropriate vaccinations and be disease and parasite free before entering the class. Where possible, classes should be held on surfaces that are easily cleaned and disinfected (e.g. indoor environments) . Visits to dog parks or other areas that are not sanitized and/or are highly trafficked by dogs of unknown vaccination or disease status should be avoided. Classes and at-home training should be based on positive reinforcement with frequent rewards praise, petting, play and/or treats. Positive and consistent training is associated with fewer behavioral problems and greater obedience than methods that involve punishment and/or encourage human dominance. For more information about puppy socialization, please read the AVSAB Position Paper on Puppy Socialization. |


| Did you know... The number one reason for dogs to be surrendered to a shelter is because of behavior problems? |
| Did you know... An unsocialized dog is much more likely to become aggressive in one form or another whether it be towards other dogs, its owner, strangers, or food? |


| Positive, humane based clicker training. Clicker training is a great way to bond and have fun with your canine. Click To Zen offers a variety of classes ranging from one on one to stay and train. Check out the training page for pricing and training offered. The clicker puts the happy back into training! Classes start May 23rd. Sign up now while there is availability. |