FAQs

Is it safe to take my puppy outside before he/she is fully vaccinated?

Its true that you shouldnt go anywhere unfamiliar dogs frequent, such as parks, dog events, etc. until your veterinarian gives you the go ahead. But that doesnt mean you should leave your puppy at home! Use common sense. Plan safe outings. Puppy class is the perfect place, because trainers know the risks and work to minimize them by keeping the training area sanitized.

The Right-Start Puppy classes expose your puppy to confidence-building environments and enhance your puppys social skills. The result is a confident and outgoing dog, who is comfortable in many situations.

Right-Start Puppy Classes

for 8-16 week-old puppies

Why should I socialize my puppy?

If you have any questions regarding Canine Academy or the Right-Start Puppy Classes, please contact:

Because doing so is crucial! An unsocialized dog has the potential to be fearful or aggressive and is at high risk of ending up in a shelter with little chance of being adopted. Some experts argue that, in the long run, behavior problems kill more dogs than parvovirus does, which puts the importance of proper and safe socialization in perspective.

Instructor

Eileen Harnedy of Canine Academy 805.466.0200 eileen@canineacademy.org Specialty Pet Supply 805.461.4892

Why is socialization at 8-16 weeks important?

Puppies between 8-16 weeks old are at an optimal period of learning. It is crucial to expose your puppy to social experiences during this small window of time.

Location

Eileen Harnedy 805.466.0200

Specialty Pet Supply 8135 Morro Road Atascadero, CA 93422 805.461.4842 specialtypet@att.net

The Right-Start Puppy Class is a four-week revolving program, which you can join at any of the class meetings. The program includes one Orientation Lecture and four Puppy Socialization Classes.

Puppy Socialization
These four 90-minute classes will consist of the following activities:

Registration Form
Owner
Name ____________________________ Address: __________________________ __________________________________ Phone: ___________________________ E-mail: ___________________________

Controlled Social Interaction

Games such as Pass the Puppy will be used to encourage puppies to socialize with a variety of people, including children and babies. Puppies will learn that people in uniforms, hats, coats, or any unusual appearances are all a part of life. Puppies will also be allowed to interact with each other to learn safe and normal canine body language.

Puppy

Orientation Lecture
We discuss common areas of concern and demonstrate several techniques to address them: controlling barking controlling separation anxiety crate-training eliminating destructive behavior house-training resource-guarding preventing biting socializing You are encouraged to attend this free orientation lecture once during the four-week program. All family members are welcome to attend the people-only lecture.

Discovery Walks
Habituation to a variety of surface textures, objects, and situations will occur during each class. Agility equipment, umbrellas, skateboards, wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and other items will get puppies used to a variety of obstacles they may face in their adult lives. Puppies will also get exposed to a veterinary clinic: being on exam tables; having their ears, eyes, and feet touched and examined; and having different people handle them. This helps build a positive association with veterinarians and groomers.

Name: ___________________________ Birthdate: ________________________ male female Age at first class: ____________ weeks Breed: ___________________________ Date Distemper/Parvo given: ________

Requested Dates

(please see insert for current dates) Orientation Lecture: _______________ Puppy Classes: ______ _______ ______ _______

Please Note:

Basic Puppy Manners

Each class covers beginning puppy manners, such as leash-walking and the sit, stay, and down commands. Biting, jumping, barking, and potty-training are also covered.

Puppies must have begun their vaccination series by a veterinarian at least 10 days prior to their first class. Vaccination records are required at check-in.

Please submit registration form and payment to: Specialty Pet Supply 8135 Morro Road Atascadero, CA 93422 Checks can be made payable to: Veterinary Medical Center