When Should Puppies Start Training Classes?

Many new owners are told to keep their puppy home until all vaccines are finished at 16 weeks or later. Veterinary behavior experts disagree with waiting that long for classes, because the most important window for socialization is in the first few months.

The AVSAB position

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) recommends that veterinarians advise puppies to start socializing as early as 7 to 8 weeks old, for example in a puppy class. Its conditions:

• At least one set of vaccines before socialization begins
• No signs of illness
• Up-to-date follow-up vaccinations through the series

AVSAB's reasoning: more deaths in dogs under 3 years old are attributed to behavior problems than to infectious disease.

Typical puppy class requirements

How to keep a young puppy safe in class

• Choose classes that require vaccine records for every puppy.
• Look for clean, indoor floors that are disinfected between classes.
• Avoid dog parks, pet store floors and rest stops where unknown dogs go until your vet says the puppy series is complete. Under AAHA guidelines, puppies get DAPP every 2 to 4 weeks until at least 16 weeks.
• Keep your puppy home if they're unwell.

When should puppies move to a basic obedience class?

After puppy kindergarten, many owners move on to a basic manners class. Adolescent dogs benefit from continued classes as they test boundaries.

What if my puppy is older than 6 months?

Sign up for a beginner obedience or "adolescent dog" class. Socialization is still valuable, but go at your dog's pace.

See how much puppy training costs, the puppy shot schedule and find dog trainers near you.

Sources

1. dvm360: AVSAB position, puppy socialization should start before vaccinations are complete
2. Yakima Valley Animal Shelter: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class listing
3. AAHA: 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines, core and noncore vaccines