Puppy Socialization and Puppy Obedience
Our Puppy Socialization classes and Puppy Obedience Training in New York are essentials designed to ensure your dog develops the necessary social and behavioral skills in a fun, information-rich, and safe environment. Whether you’re exploring dog socialization classes or specialized puppy play groups, we have the right class for your pup's needs.
Keep reading to learn more about our Puppy Training/Obedience class and Puppy Socials in NYC for more information on class offerings, schedules, and pricing.
Why Puppy Socialization Is So Important
Early socialization is essential in shaping your puppy’s future behavior. This is because there is a short window of time (up to 4.5mo of age) puppy’s brain development that it learns what to be fearful of.
Our weekly Puppy Socials focus on helping your pup become confident by interacting with other dogs, new environments, and people. Puppy Socials are devoted to simply having fun, safe interactions with other pups and their parents. Come relax after work and get to know each other, make those play dates, and make new friends.
Combine Socials with Puppy Obedience training (Puppy Obedience I/II) to ensure your dog not only has fun but also learns important commands and manners around other people and dogs.
With our puppy socialization/obedience classes, you can expect:
Supervised interactions with other puppies
Exposure to new experiences and environments
Basic puppy training essentials, such as sit, stay, and recall
Safe interactions and confidence-building exercises
Check out the Puppy Obedience I class details page for more information on dates, pricing, and availability. We also offer and advanced Puppy Obedience II class for pup ready to learn more but not quite to the level of the adolescent dog.
Looking for Puppy Socialization Near Me?
Our puppy training New York classes are available at convenient locations to ensure you can find puppy socialization near me. Whether you're looking for puppy play groups or comprehensive puppy training essentials, we offer a flexible schedule to accommodate your needs. Currently, you can find puppy socialization classes in the Upper West Side, NYC at our 93rd St. and Broadway location.
Learn more about our group obedience classes here.
Dog Socialization and Obedience Classes for Adolescents
Our dog socialization/obedience classes are open to adolescents as well. We blend socialization with more advanced commands, upgrading previously learned commands and filling in any blanks. We help your dog to become well-adjusted to new environments and continue to build confidence in their ability to safely interact with other dogs. There is also an advanced Adolescent Obedience II class for those ready to progress to even more difficult skills.
Sign Up for Puppy Socialization and Puppy Obedience Classes Today!
Don’t wait—help your puppy build the skills they need for a lifetime of confidence.
*Please be ready to provide vaccination records, even if not all vaccines have been finished.
Puppy Training - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is puppy socialization?
Puppy socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to new experiences, people, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive way. This helps them develop confidence and prevents fear-based behaviors later in life.
2. When should I start socializing my puppy?
Begin as early as 8 weeks old, focusing on the critical period between 3 and 14 weeks. This is when puppies are most receptive to new experiences.
3. Should my puppy be socialized before or after it has had all of its shots?
Socialization should begin before your puppy has received all their shots. Waiting until after 16 weeks means missing the critical developmental window for socialization, which typically ends around 14 weeks. However, there are safe ways to socialize your puppy before they are fully vaccinated, such as meeting vaccinated, well-behaved dogs in controlled environments, attending puppy classes with vaccination requirements, and exposing them to new people and experiences at home or in low-risk areas.
4. Can I socialize my puppy before they are fully vaccinated?
Yes, but do so safely. Avoid high-risk areas like dog parks or public sidewalks and focus on environments with vaccinated, friendly dogs and controlled settings.
5. How can I make socialization a positive experience?
Use treats, praise, and toys to reward your puppy for calm and curious behavior during new experiences. Never force your puppy into situations that scare them.
6. What if my puppy seems scared during socialization?
Respect your puppy's boundaries and go at their pace. Create distance from the scary stimulus, and use treats and a calm tone to reassure them. Gradually reintroduce the experience in smaller, less intimidating steps.
Puppy Health - Frequently Asked Questions
7. When should my puppy visit the vet?
Puppies should visit the vet for vaccinations, deworming, and a health check-up by 6–8 weeks of age.
8. What should I feed my puppy?
High-quality puppy food appropriate for their size and breed. Consult your vet for specific dietary recommendations.
9. How often should I feed my puppy?
Puppies need 3–4 meals a day until about 6 months old, then transition to two meals daily.
10. Why is my puppy chewing everything?
Chewing is normal, especially during teething. Provide safe chew toys and puppy-proof your home to prevent damage.
11. What are the signs that my puppy might be sick?
Signs of illness in puppies include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, or unusual behavior such as excessive whining or hiding. If your puppy has a fever, discolored gums, or any other concerning symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly.
Puppy Behavior - Frequently Asked Questions
12. Why does my puppy cry at night?
Puppies cry due to loneliness or anxiety. Keeping their crate near you can help them feel more secure.
13. How do I stop my puppy from jumping on people?
Teach them to sit for attention and ignore jumping. Reward calm behavior consistently.
14. How do I handle separation anxiety in my puppy?
Gradually get them used to being alone by leaving them for short periods and slowly increasing the duration.
15. Why does my puppy pull on the leash?
Excitement often causes pulling. Teach loose-leash walking by rewarding your puppy for staying beside you.