Why is it that The American Veterinary
Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) & The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggest that puppies start formal
training as young as 8 weeks of age. Because your puppy can easily learn commands
like sit, down and leave-it any time BUT you will never regain this opportunity to develop good social skills so naturally
and with such little effort. Because this is the
ideal time to teach your puppy not to bite, what to chew, how to be friendly (to dogs, kids and adults). Because the number one reason that dogs,
3 years of age and under, are relinquished to shelters and euthanized daily is "behavior problems” Because between 7 and 18 weeks of age (pre-adolescence) is a crucial time
period in the social development of your puppy. Because it has long been understood by many behaviorists,
trainers, vet techs, veterinarians and shelter staff that Early Training and Socialization
create a well adjusted dog. Please note that group training for puppies that have not completed their vaccinations must take place in an indoor sterilized training ring. Also note that the 1st shot in the puppy vaccination series, must have been given
by seven days prior to attending a puppy session making puppies ready for class by 7-8 weeks of age. For more information on the AVSAB & the AVMA's position
on when to begin training select one of their links below: |