PETS!

Positive Exposure Training Sessions

Designed to provide safe opportunities for socialization and confidence building for all ages

Committed to fear free, positive reinforcement based training.

We live in a great, big, scary world!

Your canine companion deserves a safe

socialization experience.

Prevent behaviour issues from arising later by providing positive exposure to new sights, sounds, smells, textures, and situations. Our Positive Exposure Training Sessions are designed to provide a safe space for puppies and dogs to:

Build confidence and sharpen social skills with other dogs and humans
Explore new, potentially scary experiences in a zero-pressure environment
Learn the beginnings of emotional regulation around exciting stimuli, like other dogs and people
Experience common grooming and veterinary handling to prepare them for future "spaw" sessions.

All the details:

There are three different age groups with 5 spots available EVERY Monday and Wednesday!

8 weeks to 16 weeks old - 6:30 pm
16 weeks to 24 weeks old - 7:00 pm
6 months and over - 7:30 pm

Looking for a private session? There is one solo PETS spot available at 6:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Sessions are held at Somerset Grooming Spa, 1221 Limeridge Rd E Unit 1, Hamilton, ON L8W 1Y1

Walk-ins not accepted; spots need to be reserved in advance.

No commitment necessary! Come to one, come to ten!

$22 per session

All dogs MUST provide proof of most recent vaccination. Unfortunately, dogs that show up without proof of vaccination will be turned away to keep all participants safe.

What to bring:

Proof of vaccination
LOTS of treats (treat pouches encouraged)
Dogs on leash and harness or collar
Lickable/chewable "pacifying" items

Socialization is probably not what you think it is...

What goes on in PETS?

What IS socialization?

So much of puppy messaging says "SOCIALIZE! EXPOSE!" But how do you do that safely, without accidentally creating fear and aggression issues?

Positive exposure means that we provide our puppies with choice and agency when presented with new things. Your puppy should never be forced to "get over it" or "get used to it".

My dog isn't a puppy... can they still attend?

YES! It's never too late to start building confidence and exploring new environments and situations. PETS are great for new rescues or older dogs that could use something new and exciting to do.

Shouldn't puppies be fully vaccinated first?

Between 8 to 16 weeks of age, our puppies are solidifying their feelings and reactions to their world. "The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive socialization before they are fully vaccinated."

Position statement from the American Veterinary Society

What kind of things are the dogs exposed to during PETS?

Other people and dogs
New surfaces, including tile, carpet, metal (bathtub), towels
New sounds, including blow dryer, running water in the tub, doorbells, other dogs barking/whining, nail grinders, clippers, and more!
New experiences, including many different grooming and handling procedures common during visits to vets and groomers

For a fantastic at-home socialization guide, download this puppy socialization checklist from Dr. Sophia Yin