Vaccines and Socialization
We know how important it is for you to feel confident about your puppy and dog’s health and safety when coming to class. While vaccinations are a key part of that, we also believe in the power of early socialization to help set your puppy up for success—even before they’ve had all their vaccines.
What Vaccines Do You Need for Class?
Before your puppy or dog joins our class, we’ll need proof of their first round of core vaccinations, which include:
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DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza)
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Rabies (based on your puppy’s age)
In addition to these, Bordetella (also called kennel cough) is required for any puppy over 12 weeks of age. This vaccine is especially important because Bordetella is highly contagious and can spread quickly in places with lots of dogs—like our classes!
These vaccinations help ensure that your puppy is protected and ready for class in a safe, controlled environment.
Why Early Socialization Matters
Between 3 and 14 weeks, your puppy’s brain is absorbing everything around them, and that’s a key time to introduce them to new experiences, people, and other dogs. Socializing them early can help them grow into well-adjusted, confident adults.
While you’ll want to make sure they’re fully vaccinated before taking them to public places like dog parks, puppy classes are different. We make sure the environment is clean and controlled, so your puppy can start learning and interacting with others in a safe way, even if they haven’t finished their full vaccine schedule.
Starting early gives them the best chance to develop good habits, build confidence, and learn how to behave around other dogs—all while minimizing health risks. We require that all puppies attending are healthy and up-to-date with vaccinations, so you can rest easy knowing your puppy is in good hands.
Your Puppy’s Safety & Comfort
At the end of the day, we want you and your puppy to feel comfortable and confident in class. Our team is dedicated to making sure your puppy has a positive experience as they learn and socialize with their peers. Starting early with training and socialization is key to raising a well-behaved, happy dog, and we’re here to guide you through it every step of the way.