Puppy Socialization and Exploration Resources
Welcome to Puppy Socialization and Exploration!
Orientation
Prerequisite to attending your first class
To help prepare you and your puppy for your upcoming class, we’ve put together this 45 minute orientation that covers:
- Puppies Developmental Periods
- How to Socialize Safely
- Covid Checklist
- House Training
- Crate Training
- Puppy Biting
- Preventing Separation Anxiety
- Food Management and Toys
- Clicker Training and Getting Ready for Class
Additional Resources
Downloadable Guide: What You Need to Know about Clicker Training
Starting Your Puppy Off on the Right Paw
Teaching Your Pet to Love Being Handled
How Kids Should Interact With Dogs
How Kids Should Not Interact With Dogs
Learn How to Read Dog Body Language
Sniff Spot – This is an online service where you can rent private, safe spaces for your dog to run around and play
Pawsitive Strides – This is a dog walker in the Edmonton area
Harness Recommendations:
Leash Options
Clickers
Book Recommendations
Podcast Recommendations
Getting Ready For Class
First off, we must receive your puppy’s vaccination records 3 days before class or your puppy cannot attend. If your puppy is a patient of Companion Veterinary Clinic, we will have their records on file. If your puppy is NOT a patient of Companion Veterinary Clinic, you are required to provide us with a copy of his/her vaccination records. Please email a copy to training@companionvet.ca
What to Bring:
- 6 ft leash (no retractable leashes)
- High value treats – most puppies love Benny Bully’s! If you have a small breed puppy, they tend to get full quickly. It is recommended to feed small breed puppies about 1/4 less of their daily food ration prior to class.
- Clicker: If you have a clicker, you can condition your dog prior to class (as described in the orientation video above). Otherwise, a clicker will be provided at your first class.
- Mat
- LickiMat. This will allow your puppy to be reinforced for staying on their mat at their station during the beginning of class while you listen to the class instructor. Check out this handout to learn all about Lickimats and how to prepare them for class.
What’s Next?
Puppy Foundations Class
$185 plus tax for 4 training classes
For puppies aged 14-24 weeks. Maximum age for registration is 21 weeks. This class will build on the puppy social skills and advance the basic manners taught in Puppy Socialization and Exploration class. Manners include but are not limited to; sit, down, recall, place, leash manners, and a new trick every week! Join us for a fun, positive and Fear Free class!
If your puppy did not take Puppy Socialization and Exploration, there will be an orientation webinar that you’ll need to complete online prior to the first class.
For this class, you’ll need to bring a clicker, 6ft leash, your puppy’s favourite treats, a “place” mat (a non-slip mat such as a yoga or bathmat) and we’ll send you instructions to make a simple DIY nail board for your puppy to learn to file their nails on.
Location: Companion Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary exam, deworming and two sets of vaccines including Bordetella is required.
Now Booking Walk & Train Sessions!
In this 45-minute session, a certified trainer, Shelby RVT, KPACTP, Fear Free Certified Trainer and Veterinary professional, will arrive at your home and take your dog for a training walk to work on preventative behaviour on leash such as loose leash walking skills, or behaviour modification for fear/anxiety related behaviour on-leash. Dogs will be given opportunities to sniff and explore as we know this is just as important as leash training.
At the end of the session, you’ll be provided with a report that includes a description of which skills they worked on, and guidance on how you can strengthen these skills in between sessions