This week The Forum introduces you to a new bi-weekly feature that focuses on the medical needs of your BFF’s—Best Furry Friends. We will bring you a wide range of topics and advice on how to handle health related situation that can arise with your pets.
Dr. Theresa Paoloni
Welcoming a puppy into your home is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Puppyhood is a crucially important time for both you and your puppy. Not only is it a time filled with fun and laughter as you watch your puppy grow, it’s a time filled with tremendous responsibility. You have a responsibility for the physical well-being of you puppy as well as for their emotional and behavioral well being.
Behavioral wellness is a significant part of raising a healthy puppy. The golden period of canine social development takes place between 8-17 weeks of age. This is the time where puppies are like “little sponges”; absorbing all that they can about their environment and formulating the behaviors that will shape their personality and take them into their adult lives. This is when they can learn good behavior and social skills. It is important to shape their behavior at this time when they are not “afraid” of anything. After this period occurs, if they have not had a lot of experiences, they can become neo-phobic. Neo-phobic is the fear of the unknown. Once they become neo-phobic, they have to be taught to not be fearful against these things which is much more difficult to achieve.
By enrolling in a Puppy Kindergarten, you teach your puppy that objects, situations, and various types of people are not threatening and how to behave in all circumstances. In Puppy Kindergarten class, your puppy will learn basic manners. They also learn how to focus and basic skills (like sit, come, and wait). Proper social skills with other puppies as well as humans are emphasized.
Here at VCU your new puppy’s well-care is taken very seriously. We are happy to announce that VCU is now offering Puppy Kindergarten Classes as part of our on going commitment to your new family member.
Please call our office at (718) 296-7700 to speak with one of our staff members for more information.
The series is sponsored by Dr. Theresa Paoloni and the staff at Veterinary Care Unlimited.
