Professionally Guided Group Classes For Puppy Socialization
PUPPY SOCIAL
A thoughtfully designed puppy socialization program for Calgary dog owners with puppies aged 8 to 18 weeks, focused on building real confidence and emotional resilience based on your puppy’s individual needs.
Classes follow a clear, developmentally appropriate structure and combine carefully managed, low-pressure off-leash interaction opportunties with hands-on coaching to support both you and your puppy. You will learn how to facilitate positive introductions to a wide range of novelty, including new people, gentle body handling, sights, sounds, and surface textures, both in class and beyond.
Click the sign-up button below to create your Client Portal account and get started.
*Booking a spot in advance is always required to attend. One admittance per scheduled day. Any unused credits are forfeited when your puppy ages out. Expiration dates apply - Click here to view policy details on our FAQ page.
Experts Agree
It is the position of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour that the standard of care for puppies include enjoyable quality introductions to as many new experiences, environments, people, objects, sounds, surfaces, and other animals as can be safely achieved following their 1st vaccination (position statement).
"Dogs attending either puppy socialization/training classes or puppy parties/socialization groups prior to 6 months of age had significantly lower total problem behavior scores. Puppy training classes with qualified professionals help to identify problematic behaviors in young dogs early, thereby allowing interventions to improve behaviors" (Dinwoodie et al., 2021).
We have designed a specialized program for people looking for credible guidance with puppy socialization training in Calgary. Our program provides the ideal opportunity for your pup to learn with you, experience positive introductions to novel stimuli, including unfamiliar people, and start to develop their communication skills.
As experts in puppy behaviour and development, we know it can feel difficult to balance the need to keep your puppy safe from disease exposure with the need to "get them out there" during their socialization period which ends around approximately 14 weeks of age. Let us help you safely navigate this time so that you and your puppy can benefit from the long term impacts of a high-quality socialization training approach.
Join Our Next Puppy Social!
Puppy socialization classes with Raising Fido Dog Training & Behaviour Consultants are held in a controlled indoor space where cleanliness, sanitization, and disease control measures are a top priority.
Our program is uniquely designed with a variety of factors including age, size, and personality in mind to provide the best environmental set up possible to help your puppy thrive. We use an open, rolling-entry class format, so your puppy can start as soon as they’re eligible. The classes are drop-in style with rotating feature topics, and they’re offered two days a week to make attending more accessible. Although it is ideal if you can make it to every class, this format means you don’t need to worry if you can’t. Every session is led by a qualified trainer, ensuring you and your puppy receive knowledgeable and competent guidance during this critical stage of development.
Puppy Social
Information
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Format: Open enrolment means no waiting (you can start as soon as your puppy meets our eligibility requirements listed below)
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Age requirement: 8–18 weeks at the first class
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Vaccination requirement: Must have received first core vaccination (DA2PP/DHPP) at least 7+ days prior to first class (you do NOT need to wait until second vaccination - see FAQ)
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Health: Must be on a deworming schedule and deemed healthy by your veterinarian
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Class size: Limited to 6 dogs per class (advanced booking required)
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Location: Sit Happens! (2180 Pegasus Way NE)
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Duration: 45–60 minutes
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Schedule:
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Wednesdays @ 6:00 PM (and 7:15 PM when sign ups exceed six)
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Saturdays @ 12:00 PM (and 1:15 PM when needed, excluding holidays & special events)
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NOTE: Only the first class time (6:00 PM / 12:00 PM) is posted for registration. If more than 6 puppies are registered, we split into two groups. Second class runs immediately afterward, and we’ll contact you if your puppy is placed in the later class.
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Class placement and continuation are based on individual suitability and trainer discretion, with the goal of maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone.
Curriculum
Overview
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Drop-in format, advance booking required to attend.
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Required to view video orientation prior to attending first class.
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Learn about primary active socialization and how to do it well.
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Free play with narration by skilled certified professional trainer.
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Variety of basic puppy training topics discussed.
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Puppies experience novel sights, sounds, objects, & surfaces with you.
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Includes puppy socialization worksheet and handbook for additional guidance.
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Demonstrations and Q & A provided throughout class.
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Trainer may make individual changes such as switching a puppy to the other class or another training option. Must be a minimum of 2 participants registered per class to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any class if necessary for any reason, and will notify participants as soon as possible in such cases.
Note: To keep your puppy safe digital proof of vaccination is required before your puppy’s first class. The first and second DHPP vaccinations are valid for 30 days, while the third DHPP and Rabies are valid for 1–3 years depending on your veterinarian’s protocol. Our system will remind you if your documents are nearing expiration.
Be sure to review our Policies, and Terms & Conditions before booking.
A Quality Puppy Socialization Program
Backed By Science
"Attendance at puppy class reduced risk of aggression to unfamiliar people both in and out of the house."
(Casey et al 2013)
"Puppy socialization practices play a large role in the development of well-adjusted adult dogs that are likely to display few undesirable behaviours, and which can establish a positive, lifelong relationship with their owner."
(Howell, King, and Bennett 2015)
"Negative or traumatic experiences and/or lack of stimuli in early development may have negative long-term consequences on health
and behaviour."
(Dietz et. al 2018)
Puppy Socialization
Puppy Socials with Raising Fido Dog Training & Behaviour Consultants are led by experienced and educated dog trainers. Puppy raising is a fun experience, but can also be quite stressful at times. Join us to learn what safe, quality-focused puppy socialization looks like, and how it can have a significant positive impact on your puppy’s future behaviour and personality.
Come benefit from our years of world-class training education and firsthand experience in puppy development. We are always transparent about our training methods, values, ethics, and credentials. Because the dog training and behaviour industry is unregulated and anyone can market themselves as a trainer, transparency from the provider you choose to work with is especially important. When you're looking for a trainer to work with, don't just look for a high level of competence, but also if their values and ethics align with yours.
Register today for our next Puppy Social to jump start an enriching and rewarding journey with your dog that you can feel good about - your fido will thank you!
We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any class if necessary, and will notify participants as soon as possible in such cases.
Get Started!
Follow our guide below to set up your account and get booked in.
Once your account in Busy Paws is created this is now your portal for everything Raising Fido.
It’s easy to book your pup in for courses, make or cancel reservations, communicate directly with us, process secure payments, receive written training updates with photos or videos and more.
Let Us Help You Raise Fido Well