Puppy Socialization
Puppy Preschool: Socialization Program
How can you make sure that your puppy is well-socialized during the most important time of his life?
Puppies up to about to 16 weeks old are in the midst of one of their most crucial developmental phases.
Do you have a socialization plan? Are you doing everything possible to help your new puppy develop into a well-mannered, confident, happy companion?
- The idea behind socialization is that you want to help your puppy become acclimated to all types of sights, sounds, and smells in a positive manner. Proper socialization can prevent a dog from being fearful of children, for example, or of riding in a car, and it will help him develop into a well-mannered, happy companion. Having a dog who is well adjusted and confident can even go as far as to save his life one day.
- According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, improper socialization can lead to behavior problems later in life. The organization’s position statement on socialization reads: “Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age.” Start taking your dog out to public places once your veterinarian says it is safe, and he’ll learn to behave in a variety of situations and to enjoy interacting with different people.
I utilize a well-developed, safe, puppy socialization and training system, that makes the most of this extremely important, yet extremely short period in your puppy's life. Puppy Preschool includes:
- Picking up your puppy in the morning and dropping him off in the afternoon at your breeder's home, if your puppy is starting preschool while still with your breeder. Boarding at my home if your puppy is travelling from a distant breeder. Picking up your puppy and returning him home if you live locally.
- Car rides and field trips to stores that allow puppies, such as Hobby Lobby and Lowes
- Play time with puppy-friendly adult dogs and other puppies, who will help teach your puppy how to interact with other dogs
- Meeting a wide variety of people
- Exposure to a wide variety of sights, sounds, and smells in a way that your puppy always feels comfortable and safe
- Beginning positive training in a variety of age-appropriate skills, which may include loose-leash walking, sit, down, stand, come, and stay
- Introduction to crate training
- Resource guarding prevention practice
- Reinforcement of calm behavior to help your puppy learn to be calm
- Potty training practice
- Helping your puppy learn how to learn, so training will be easier for the rest of your dog's life
Contact me for more information or for availability. Enrollment spaces are limited.
"We couldn't be happier with our experience at K9 Level Up's Puppy Preschool! From the moment our Shiba Inu puppy joined the program, we saw incredible growth in her confidence, social skills, and responsiveness through the pictures and videos posted by Brooke. The structured socialization with other puppies and dogs was exactly what she needed to start learning how to play appropriately and comfortably interact with a variety of dogs. Further, the videos helped us learn how to continue training after our puppy came home.
One of the most valuable parts of the program was the emphasis on desensitization—our puppy was gently and consistently exposed to new sights, sounds, surfaces, and people in a controlled, positive environment. This made a noticeable difference in how she handles situations and stimuli in the real world. She came home to us excited to meet new people, dogs, and experiences in an appropriate way.
The leash walking practice was another highlight. Brooke and Kristina gave her a fantastic foundation that made daily walks a joy rather than a struggle. We also loved the thoughtfully planned field trips, which allowed her to explore different settings safely and build confidence in new environments. Overall, K9 Level Up gave our Shiba Inu the best possible start. Brooke and Kristina’s expertise, kindness, and clear passion for dogs created a truly enriching experience. We highly recommend this program for any puppy owner who wants to set their dog up for long-term success."
One of the most valuable parts of the program was the emphasis on desensitization—our puppy was gently and consistently exposed to new sights, sounds, surfaces, and people in a controlled, positive environment. This made a noticeable difference in how she handles situations and stimuli in the real world. She came home to us excited to meet new people, dogs, and experiences in an appropriate way.
The leash walking practice was another highlight. Brooke and Kristina gave her a fantastic foundation that made daily walks a joy rather than a struggle. We also loved the thoughtfully planned field trips, which allowed her to explore different settings safely and build confidence in new environments. Overall, K9 Level Up gave our Shiba Inu the best possible start. Brooke and Kristina’s expertise, kindness, and clear passion for dogs created a truly enriching experience. We highly recommend this program for any puppy owner who wants to set their dog up for long-term success."
Melanie
Preschool Puppy from Shomaisou Shiba Inu
"Moose’s time with Brooke prepared him so well for a seamless transition into our family. Her love, dedication and knowledge are incredible. Moose was well adjusted too; car rides, his crate, bath time, grooming, older dogs, loud traffic noises, walks and more! His ability to already mand was amazing. He didn’t jump on our preschool girls and we have continued his early learning with such success. Her consistent investment in potty training, proper treat-taking and resource guarding meant Moose needed only reinforcement and encouragement because she built the foundation he needed to thrive. I wish we lived closer because Moose would have continued with Brooke if possible. The investment she made in Moose is priceless!! So thankful for his time with her!!"
Meghan
Preschool Puppy from Hearthstone Labradors
"My name is Tanya Knight. I live in San Diego, California. I am the proud co-parent of four, fabulous, female Labrador Retrievers. Our newest addition, Darby Grace, is a Grand River Labrador. Darby was born deaf and was developmentally behind her littermates. She had about a week before she would make the trek to SD. Kathy Regan, Darby’s breeder, recommended I continue Darby’s training with Brooke Steinbach. I had never hired a dog trainer before. After speaking with Brooke, I knew I wanted Darby to spend as much time with her as possible. Brooke sent me daily pictures and videos of Darby. She sent me tutorials and tips on how to train Darby and her special needs. Darby was socialized with other dogs. She was taken places to help her acclimate to different surroundings and situations. I truly value the time Darby spent with Brooke. She is a knowledgeable and valuable trainer. In addition, Brooke provided me with nutritional recommendations to follow to ensure that Darby would transition from a healthy puppy to adult dog. If I lived near Brooke, Darby would still be seeing her five days a week and I would be a forever client."
Tanya
Preschool Puppy from Grand River Labradors
