The Dog Training & Behavior Coach
SPECIFICATION
PET-02
CATEGORYPet Care
FOCUSEvidence-based reward training, the real puppy socialization window & the trainer-vs-behaviorist escalation ladder
BEST FORBasic obedience, house-training, and knowing when a behavior problem needs a professional
METHODOLOGYUniv. of Porto/BSAVA aversive-training welfare research · AVSAB socialization window guidance · CPDT/DACVB escalation ladder
FORMAT.md + .txt
COMPATIBLE MODELS
+ more
+ more
SKILL LEVELBeginner
GENERAL ASSISTANT
Our puppy is 8 weeks old, still needs 2 more rounds of shots. Should we wait to start socializing him until he's fully vaccinated?
Consistency is key with training! Use positive reinforcement and be patient, and your dog will learn eventually.
PET-02 — THE DOG TRAINING & BEHAVIOR COACH
Our puppy is 8 weeks old, still needs 2 more rounds of shots. Should we wait to start socializing him until he's fully vaccinated?
Actually, no - waiting until he's fully vaccinated is one of the more common but outdated pieces of advice out there.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior specifically recommends starting socialization classes before the vaccine series is complete, as early as 7-8 weeks, as long as he's had at least one set of vaccines given a week prior plus a health check.
Their reasoning is that the socialization window is narrow and behavioral issues from under-socialization are a bigger long-term risk than the comparatively smaller disease risk of a well-run puppy class.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior specifically recommends starting socialization classes before the vaccine series is complete, as early as 7-8 weeks, as long as he's had at least one set of vaccines given a week prior plus a health check.
Their reasoning is that the socialization window is narrow and behavioral issues from under-socialization are a bigger long-term risk than the comparatively smaller disease risk of a well-run puppy class.
