build social comfort + CONNECTION

Social 2

indirect-contact socialization sessions for ages 6 mo- 1 yr (starting at 6 months is optimal)

Cost: single session $40 | 4-session package $150

Do you want a pup who’ll be settled and calmly connected to you when another dog walks by, a person on crutches approaches, or someone skateboards past? Do you want a dog who’ll calmly enjoy being groomed, who won’t bite at the brush or your hand or back away in fear? If the answer is yes, then this class is the right class for you!

In the first level of our Social series, our dogs were given the freedom of having direct contact with other dogs and sights and sounds through play and exploration. Now that our dogs are adolescents, they need continued positive exposure, but with the practice of settling and connection when they DON'T have direct access to them! Social 2 will teach your dog how to be calm, comfortable, and connected when on leash in a variety of social situations - how to “emotionally self-regulate” and connect to you in a loud, fast, and busy world!

Specifically, this class will provide exposure to the 3 tenets of socialization:

  • people and dogs

  • worldly sights and sounds

  • grooming and handling

In Social 2, we'll go beyond simple desensitization and classical conditioning (free lunch) in these social situations. We will combine the positive exposure lessons from Social 1 with the settling and focus lessons from Calm + Focus 1. This class functions as a great study hall opportunity to boost your results in the Calm + Focus 2 and Skills 2 courses. You can expect the same material each session, but with the level of challenge adjusted depending on each person’s and dog's abilities. You are welcome to attend as many or as few as you want, and on your fourth session of practice, you will receive a graduation certificate for your work!

the goal: Confident puppies who are calm, comfortable and connected in non-play social situations  

to maximize learning: Attend at least one before the Calm + Focus 2 and Skills 2 courses to help your pup with multifaceted learning at the Great Puppy Level!

Didn’t take Social 1 with us but interested in Social 2? As long as your pup is well-socialized to be in close proximity to other dogs (not overly-reactive with intense lunging, barking, or hiding), and you adhere to our “no verbal or physical corrections” rule, you are welcome to join us! We just kindly request that you attend the free Orientation if you have not taken any other courses with us before signing up.

  • 45 minute class

    up to 5 puppies per class (If you are the only one - free private session for you! That’s a $165 value!)

    Trainer will provide the same material each class. Each student will work at their own level of progress until meeting the set criteria for the next level. You get a certificate after 4 sessions!

  • puppy who’s 6 months to 1 year of age and has attended at least 4 Social 1 sessions, Calm + Focus 1, and is either enrolled in or has completed Skills 1 (6 months is the ideal age to start)

    puppy who has been in your home for at least 10 days and meets our vaccination and health requirements

    your puppy has NOT had any diarrhea, lethargy, coughing or sneezing within 24 hours

  • semi-hungry, semi-exercised, pottied puppy

    puppy who has not had any lethargy, coughing, vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours

    puppy with both a collar and a front-clip harness (harness preferred, not required)

    mat - small with slip-resistent backing

    high value treats and 2-3 chewies or food puzzles for your puppy to eat/chew/lick and a fun tug toy (we have those here for purchase)

    For the grooming exercises, we will be using a brush - you can use ours or bring your own!

  • Whenever possible, we love having the whole family involved! 

    For safety, children under 6 must have a second adult dedicated to their supervision. 

    Accompanied children who are 6 and older may attend if they can: 

    • remain calm around the puppies (no squealing, jumping, or running)

    • stay seated until it's their turn to train

    • follow directions and not disrupt class

    • refrain from approaching other puppies unless it's before or after class, and only if the other puppy shows comfortable body language and the puppy's parent gives permission

    This is for everyone's safety and positive experience! Because waiting and patience will be needed, our parents have had best success when bringing a few quiet kid activities (books, sketch pad and markers, ipad, snacks, etc), as well, in case they need something to do between turns or if they decide they don't want to participate. For more information about kids and puppies click here!

    • Cash Refund Window: Cash refunds will only be provided when requested within 72 hours of purchase AND when requested 12 hours prior to class start time.

    • Cancellation due to illness: If you or your dog is sick in the within 24 hours prior to your service, please cancel and notify the office to determine if accommodations can be made.

    • When cancelling Social 2 classes more than 12 hours in advance, the credit will go back onto your account for future use! Credits expire 4 months after the purchase date

    Learn more about our Cancellation and Refund Policy here.

 

sign up

book your class — Available on Mondays and Thursdays

Book as soon as you can; classes fill several weeks to a month in advance.

If you opted into email communications, check your inbox for your booking confirmation with the date and time of your class, plus pre–class instructions (separate email from your purchase receipt).

 
 

  • If you can’t make your class for any reason, please let us know—cancel your class online (sign into your account and go to your schedule of classes, then click CANCEL) or call the office at 503.697.pups(7877). Learn more about our Cancellation and Refund Policy here.

  • Use the calendar tool below (underneath “Find a Class”) to scroll between weeks!

  • classes are held in Studio 102 on the corner of NW 18th and Quimby next to the Sultan Cafe. We are at the top of the wheelchair ramp

    please help us be good neighbors by avoiding lingering on the raised walkway to discourage puppies pottying on the sidewalk

    parking is on-street only. Parking in the lot may result in being towed