Socials
Socialization is Learned!
Puppies aren’t born with social skills. Those must be developed! Top Dog SF Socials provide you with an environment where you and your pup can learn how to interact with other dogs, puppies, and people in a safe way. The act of exposing your pup to lots of different people, dogs, and situations is known as “socialization”. The correct socialization is done in a controlled space where the behavior and actions of all involved are monitored and guided. The ultimate goal of socialization is to have a dog with a good temperament!
All dogs need fun, and they also require space and proper play interactions/greetings. Good play experiences reinforce good play behavior, and let us provide that! A dog with a good temperament is a dream to live with, and providing early socialization to your puppy with listening skills sets them up for success.
Puppy Socials
Puppy Socials are a chance for your puppy to learn how to play, socialize and exercise safely and disease free with other puppies! We offer two weekly small 50-minute puppy play groups for puppies 8 weeks to 14 weeks and then puppies 14 weeks to 6 months. We also adhere to social distancing guidelines for the puppy parents, with a maximum of 6 puppies per social.
Socialization is critical for young puppies to ensure their puppy learns the skills and confidence to grow up to be a city dog, and puppy parents must provide this exposure to their puppies. Certified trainers run our Puppy Socials, and we will ensure all puppy play is appropriate and mutual by interrupting, providing essential training, and encouraging where necessary.
Benefits of Puppy Socials
Pups need to socialize to learn about bite inhibition and get their zoomies out! A tired puppy is always the best! Puppy socials allow your puppy to practice healthy play habits and enjoy the company of different types of people, including children, men, strangers, etc., with professional dog trainers monitoring at all times.
Requirements prior to the First Social, Your Pup Must:
Pre-registration for a Top Dog SF Puppy Social is required here. Puppy socials are $40 for each 50-minute socials.
All puppies between the ages of 8 and 14 weeks must have their first round of vaccinations at least one week before their first social. These shots include:
- one distemper and
- one parvovirus vaccination
- deworming (from the breeder or veterinarian)
- the puppy must be in your home for 7 days before the first social
- Puppies must be under 40 lbs.
Be sure to upload or bring vaccination paperwork, bring high-value treats, a leash, a hungry pup, and a face mask to our next Top Dog SF puppy social!
Small Dog Socials
Is your newly adopted small dog too old for our puppy socials? Does your small dog need some socialization, exposure and confidence building? This Small Dog Social is perfect for adolescent and adult small dogs who are 6 months or old and are under 40 lbs. This class is designed to develop a solid foundation of basic training skills so all members of the family can interact safely and confidently.
Requirements:
- 6 months old & above
- Current weight is under 40 lbs
- Dog must have been in your home for AT LEAST 7 days prior to the first social
- Your dog must be FULLY vaccinated AT LEAST 7 days prior to the first social
- Bordetella (Kennel cough) and Canine Influenza Virus H3N2/H3N8 vaccines recommended, but not required. Please consult your veterinarian.
- Your dog must not attend class wearing a slip, shock, choke or prong collar. Flat collars or harnesses ONLY.
- This social is not appropriate for fearful, aggressive, or reactive dogs or dogs who bark excessively. Owners of dogs who exhibit signs of these issues are encouraged to seek out private training.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- A harness or an anti-pull harness or a flat collar (No prong, choke or shock collars are allowed)
- A 4-6 foot lead
- Tasty treats
Register for a Top Dog SF Social
Thank you for your interest in our Puppy Socials! We look forward to having you and your puppy learn and grow in a safe, clean environment!
Puppy Socials are held each Sunday at 2014 Judah St. There is a minimum of 4 participants to hold the class and a maximum of 6 dogs.
10:30am for puppies 8 weeks to 14 weeks
11:30am for puppies 14 weeks to 6 months
12:30pm is for small dogs
Socials last approx. 50 minutes.
The program fee is $40.00. Reservations will close the Saturday evening before each Sunday Puppy Social at 7pm.
Please complete the self-booking form at the above link so you can add upload your puppy’s vet records and also pay online.
Need more help?
We offer one-on-one in-home puppy training and tutoring sessions both online and in person if needed.