build social comfort + CONNECTION

Social 2

indirect-contact socialization sessions for ages 6 mo- 1 yr

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

  • grooming and handling

  • worldly sights and sounds

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 after taking Calm + Focus 1, and anytime before or during your 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.

  • 50 minuet class led by a professional trainer

    4-6 puppies per class

    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.

  • puppy who’s 6 months to 1 year of age and has attended at least 4 Social 1 sessions and Calm + Focus 1

    puppy who has been in your home for at least 10 days

    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, you will rotate what grooming tool you use and which body part is being handled each time you attend. If you use a specific brush, nail trimmer, dremel, etc, bring it with you to class.

  • We allow children ages 6 and older to attend. Children ages 6-15 must be accompanied by an adult.

 

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’re in the first position on the waitlist and a class spot opens, you’ll automatically be enrolled and you will receive a text and/or email notifying you. Auto enrollment stops 8 hours before class.

    • If you opted out of email and text communication, you will not receive a notification. Instead you can check your schedule from your online profile or through the Wonder Puppy app.

    • Get the full scoop on our waitlist policies. In order to be added to a waitlist, you will need at least 1 unused Social Puppy credit on your account. You can sign up for as many waitlists as you want so long as you have at least 1 credit! If you don’t get off of the waitlist, let us know and we’ll give you a refund!

    • If a class is FULL, the roster and the waitlist are both full.

  • 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. You won’t lose your class credit if your puppy is sick.

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

  • Our classes are held in our NW Studio between NW 17th and NW 18th next to the Sultan Cafe. We will open our doors 5 minuets before the start time.

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