Puppy Kindergarten

For people over the age of forty (like me), and folks who were not brought up in this country (like me!) the growing popularity of puppy kindergarten can come as an initial shock.  While it’s easy to see how spending time in a classroom full of puppies would be fun, I am sometimes asked if such classes benefit the puppies, or are simply an example of brilliant marketing.

The first 8-10 weeks of a puppy’s life is known as the Fear Impact Period. Puppies are easily frightened, and lessons learned during this stage tend to be permanent. During this time, it is crucial to expose your puppy to as many new experiences as possible, provided they occur in a positive, controlled setting. During this vital stage of life, puppies are taught to properly interact with other dogs in a fun, non-threatening environment. Such classes also provide play-based introductions to obedience concepts. These early sessions are geared  toward building confidence and providing positive experiences, rather than teaching specific behaviors. The result is a confident, well-socialized dog who is eager to learn how to better meet your expectations in every stage of life.