Helpful handouts

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 Because safety is extremely important to Shannon the following precautions are taken for every Ultimate Puppy Kindergarten class.

Common questions Dr. R.K. Anderson receives from puppy owners, dog trainers and veterinarians concern: 1) What is the most favorable age or period of time when puppies learn best? 2) What are the health implications of my advice that veterinarians and trainers should offer socialization programs for puppies starting at 8 to 9 weeks of age. 

Pet parents are now aware of the necessity of providing dog/dog socialization opportunities for their puppies. Nevertheless, when and how to do it is still misunderstood largely because many veterinarians, as well as breeders and pet-store owners, advise new pet parents to avoid socializing their new puppy with other dogs until the age of four to six months in order to avoid exposure to illnesses that vaccines protect against. 

The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. During this time, puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing over stimulation 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.  

Dogs with separation anxiety often do not have the coping skills or confidence to stay home without a companion (usually their people). Many times people will get another dog thinking it will help, but that is not the solution.You must teach your dog to have confidence in being alone and must not exacerbate the problem with your behavior.

What is Crate Training?

Crate training is the process of conditioning your dog to accept being in a crate, which will eventually become his own “den.” Crate training is used for a variety of reasons: it is an effective tool for housebreaking, and gives your dog a safe, secure place of his own. Having a dog who is comfortable being crated is also useful for confinement for short periods when necessary, for safe transportation via car or plane, and for keeping a dog calm and confined when recovering from surgery.