KATE JOHNSON, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FDM
positive reinforcement behavior consultant, dog trainer & puppy specialist
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Puppy Socials
Teaming up with Island Animal Hospital, Cathy Thrift, ABCDT & Bri James, ABCDT to offer socialization class for puppies age 8-20 weeks.
Puppy Socials
Drop off, 45 minute socialization sessions for ages 8–20 weeks
Cost: single session $40
This is the most important beginning class for your puppy.
We recommend starting as soon as you can.
A dog’s critical socialization period is the first 16 weeks of life. This is the most important time to start helping them learn what in the world is safe, and exposure isn’t enough.
A lack of positive socialization during this period is one of the leading causes of behavior problems for dogs in adult life.
This is the time to safely and positively expose puppies to all sorts of new and unfamiliar people, other dogs and animals, sights, sounds, surfaces, etc.
Let trained professionals do some of the work for you.
Our Social Puppy class aims to help puppies learn to play and communicate well and make positive associations to new experiences during this critical window of development.
The goal: confident puppies who can have fun, slow down, read body language and respond appropriately around other dogs and people.
Please keep in mind: some puppies don’t like playing with other puppies or come in very nervous. We will do our best to help your puppy feel safe and supported by adjusting the environment and making new associations to anything they are feeling nervous about.
Details
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All classes are held at Island Animal Hospital / 2603 Demere Rd, St Simons Island, GA 31522
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Wait outside with your puppy. YOU MAY NOT ENTER THE CLINIC. We will come out and bring your puppy into the clinic. After class is over, we will bring your puppy out to you.
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Session is lead by 3 credentialed trainers and allows up to 5 puppies per session
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All groups are designated and divided by puppy size
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Small Puppies: 0–15lbs
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Big Puppies: 15lbs and UP
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Puppies must be between 8-20 weeks
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First round of vaccines is REQUIRED. Please email a copy of your vaccine record to kate@rainorshinecanine.com or bring it with you to class.
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The space will be completely sanitized before and after each class.
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There will be no refunds unless cancelled 24 hours prior to class (exceptions always made for health concerns).
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If your puppy is showing any sign of sickness, including diarrhea, vomiting, or coughing, they CANNOT attend class. Please email kate@rainorshinecanine.com or call 503-816-3511 to cancel.
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If you are showing any sign of sickness, please have a healthy family member drop off and pick up your puppy.
Puppy Socials
Who:
Puppies up to 20 weeks who have had their first round of vaccinations.
What:
Three credentialed trainers work directly with a maximum of 5 puppies per class. Focus is on developing appropriate play skills and building confidence.
Classes are 45 minutes and cost $40.
When:
Sundays
2 pm — small puppies who weigh less than 15 pounds
3 pm — large puppies who weigh more than 15 pounds
Tiny Pup Playgroup
Who:
Small dogs less than 20 lbs who are up to date their vaccinations.
What:
Three credentialed trainers work directly with a maximum of 5 pups per class. Focus is on developing appropriate play skills and building confidence.
Classes are 45 minutes and cost $40.
When:
Sundays @ 4pm
4 pm — Dogs who weigh less than 20 pounds
General Notes
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Please do NOT take your puppy to dog parks.
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If you let your puppy meet other dogs, supervise and protect your puppy. Do not let your puppy become defensive! Keep play sessions short and sweet, and frequently interrupt with tasty treats for all.
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Early socialization is incredibly important — prioritize quality over quantity. All experiences should be positive. Do not overwhelm your puppy.
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Puppies need an average of 20 hours of sleep a day!
Click here for the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s position statement on puppy socialization.
