As a dog owner, you’ve likely spent some time thinking about how to raise your canine pal. But what about the other part of the equation? What about his socialization?
It’s important that your dog gets plenty of opportunities to interact with other dogs and people, and dog daycare offers the perfect setting for teaching Fido how to socialize with others. If you’re wondering at what age is best for your dog to start going to daycare , we’ve got some answers for you!
Read on as a Rialto, CA vet talks about doggie daycare and what age is best to enroll your dog.
Your Dog’s Learning-Socialization Window
A dog’s socialization window starts at around eight weeks of age. This period lasts until he’s about 12 weeks old, and it’s when your puppy is most receptive to learning new things.
During this time, exposing Fido to as many different situations as possible–other animals, people and places–will help him become more confident in his own skin (and prevent future behavioral issues).
The Younger the Better
It’s best to introduce your dog to daycare when he’s young. A puppy can go through all the stages of training more easily and quickly than an adult dog, which makes it easier for you to teach him good habits at a young age.
A younger dog is also more likely to get along with other dogs in his age group. This means there will be less conflict between your pup and other dogs in his playgroup–and that means less stress on you!
The earlier you bring your dog into social settings like daycare or dog parks, the more likely they are to learn how humans interact with each other as well as other animals. This helps him develop good behaviors in social situations.
Six to Eight Weeks Old Is the Perfect Time
When you’re considering a daycare for your dog, you’ll want to know what age is best for starting daycare. The absolute minimum age is six weeks and the ideal time is 8 weeks.
The main reasons for this are:
- Dogs that have not been vaccinated yet should not be introduced into a group of other dogs.
- If your dog has an existing medical condition like heart disease or asthma, then it’s important that he get regular check-ups at the vet so they don’t get worse while in daycare.
- If your dog is under 6 weeks old, then he won’t be fully weaned yet.
If you have more questions or wish to take a tour of our dog daycare facilities, please don’t hesitate to call us, your local Rialto, CA pet daycare, anytime!
