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Puppy Socialization Classes Desensitizes Dogs To The Veterinary Clinic: Many Veterinarians Now Offering New Puppy Owners Puppy Socialization Classes In Their Hospitals Or Clinics.
Many dogs learn to become anxious and fearful when it comes to making a trip to the veterinarian. Anxiety and fear can result when repeated exposure to a particular environment results in repeated unpleasant or painful experiences. To address this issue, many Veterinarians are now offering classes providing socialization opportunities with other dogs, humans and the veterinary clinic for their new puppy owners by holding classes or puppy pre-school at the clinic itself.
Additionally, canine behaviorists and other experts commonly agree that puppies appear to have an optimal learning period that falls between 8 and 16 weeks. In these 7 or 8 weeks, experiences, good or bad, have a powerful and lasting impact on the puppy. This is not to say that all learning or the retention of experiences only occurs during this time period; it is simply this age offers a great window of opportunity for the new owner to positively impact their puppy’s learning and future attitude and behavior. It is also during this period of 8 -16 weeks that vets recommend keeping your puppy away from other dogs while he/she completes his/her vaccination course. Puppy socialization classes at the clinic provide for a safe and disease free environment as these classes will always insist that the puppies in the class are up to date with their vaccinations to be admitted to the class.
Veterinarian socialization classes offered at a clinic are a wonderful opportunity for the new puppy owner and the Veterinarian. The new puppy owner concerned about the next decade or so with their new companion can take advantage of these classes ensuring that future trips to the Veterinary clinic or hospital are paired with happy experiences, not fearful experiences. The Veterinarian can take this opportunity to provide a safe place for puppies to interact, teach the new owners about hygiene, nutrition, immunizations and general health resulting in a client that is educated and knowledgeable and a puppy that will grow to a dog that will not be fearful of the Veterinary office for the next 12 plus years.
Veterinarians today are mindful of the clear links between a total wellness program, preventive measures, and the subsequent health of their patients. According to an article in the Veterinarian Clinic North America Small Animal Practice, May, 1997, K. Seksel wrote that “setting up a puppy training program is one of the most important services veterinarians can offer. Puppy socialization classes aim not only to socialize the puppies so that they learn to interact well with children, adults, and other dogs, but also to teach basic obedience exercises. The classes build a strong bond between puppy, owner, and veterinary clinic.”
The content of puppy socialization classes provided in Veterinary clinics vary greatly. Most teach about immunization schedules, nutrition, hygiene and allow for socialization time with people, other dogs, and the clinic. Others delve into areas concerning housetraining, crate training, house proofing for a new puppy, understanding leadership roles, safety tips for the home and traveling with your dog. Some teach the new owner basic manners such as a basic understanding of early puppy behavior, the importance of consistency, why a puppy bites and how to stop it, why a puppy jumps and how to control it, and exposure to the pup of early manners. A very few are very comprehensive and get into some general obedience teaching the new owner how to get their pup to “watch me,” sit, come, down, walk with me, stand, and wait. The classes also often include some human-canine bonding exercises (activities to increase the time spent with your pup) such as shake, catch, roll over, over/under, crawl, and to go through an agility tunnel.
The format of how the classes are run, what ages the pup or adult dogs are to be in the class, inclusion/exclusion of aggressive dogs, who teaches them, their costs and length of the classes also varies widely. Some clinics hire a local canine behaviorist to come in and teach. Others have one of their Veterinary Assistants or Technician offer the classes. Some are even taught by the Veterinarian. Most clinics provide their new puppy clients with an informational flyer on their first visit advertising and encouraging them to attend the classes. Almost all Veterinarians charge a nominal amount of money for the classes. This money may go completely to the behaviorist/Vet Tech or it is sometimes split between the Clinic and the trainer. There are clinics that offer classes for little pups and adult dog clients. Usually these are not together. Overly aggressive dogs are typically not allowed in these classes until that behavior is brought under control. Depending on where you are in the country, the costs can range from $10 per class lasting 8 weeks ($80) to $25 per class or $250 for 8 weeks.
Regardless of the content or the format, puppy socialization or puppy pre-school held at veterinary clinics or hospitals results in better behaved dogs and more informed clients. Most people will bring a puppy to a Veterinarian when they first get the pup. Veterinarians have a wonderful opportunity to positively effect the future relationships of this new pup and client. Beyond the obvious result of a dog that will not be fearful or misbehave at future visits to the Veterinarian, the Veterinarian has probably gained a client for the life of that dog and beyond. In addition, perhaps, the more informed the client, and the early socialization to other dogs, people and the Clinic, may actually result in less unwanted pets at shelters. One can only hope.
For more information on how to hold a class and what to teach, go to: http://www.e-trainingfordogs.com/VetClinicTOT.html
E-Training for Dogs, Inc. has just released a “train the trainer” course designed to provide step by step instruction in creating, marketing and implementing puppy socialization classes within a veterinary clinic. It focuses on training Canine Behaviorists, Trainers, Veterinary Assistants, Technicians and Veterinarians interested in developing and assisting Veterinary clinic clients in early puppy education, dealing with safety, health and nutrition, puppy manner imprinting, socialization, and general puppy care. This is an intensive 8 week course requiring at least 75% attendance and a score of at least 75% on exams to become certified. Simply signing up will not earn you a Certificate. This is a robust course that assures clients and Veterinarians that graduates are highly skilled and knowledgeable. Learn to become a Certified Veterinary Clinic Puppy Socialization trainer!
