Puppy Socialization Classes

ONLY for puppies 8 to 12 weeks of age at the start

Did You Know?...

Puppies should be positively and safely introduced to lots of new people, other puppies and novel stimuli within the first few months of life

Proper socialization during this time can decrease the risk of behavioral problems, like fear and aggression

Early socialization - and training! - can improve the bond between puppies and owners (Going to puppy class together is FUN!)

Puppies are exposed to different breeds and styles of social ettiquette of other pups

Puppies can accomplish these things starting with a well-run puppy socialization class!

Read what the experts are saying... "Plan Ahead to Socialize Your Puppy Early"

NOTE: Puppy class is currently on break for the holidays. We will resume enrollment for early January by mid-December. Please check back soon!

Let's Get Your Puppy Socialized!

The Persuaded Pooch is excited to be offering group puppy socialization classes at the Webster Groves Recreation Complex, every Thursday evening at 6pm!

4-Week Puppy Prep Socialization Class | $149

Starts Every Thursday at 6pm

Only for puppies 8 weeks to 12 weeks at the start of class
Rolling enrollment - Puppy classes are "always on" so your new pup can jump right in (pending available openings)
Once enrolled, puppies come to class for four consecutive weeks. No class on 7/4, 10/31 and 11/28.
Taught by Karen Pryor Academy certified trainers, Nicole Berthold and Michelle Charboneau
Registration includes a copy of the Puppy Start Right book by Ken and Debbie Martin (an $18 value)
Fun and positive methods to puppy socialization and puppy obedience!
Safe exposure to other puppies, new people, sights, sounds and surfaces
Prepare your puppy for the veterinary experience via Fear Free methods
Puppy obedience training, like getting puppy's attention, polite greetings and more!
Addresses problem prevention topics, like mouthing, jumping, barking and potty training
Required Vaccinations: At least one DHPP administered at least 1 week prior to the start of puppy class and updated vaccinations throughout the class duration. Owners will need to provide proof of vaccinations prior to the first class.
BONUS! Receive a one-time 10% off discount at any Treats Unleashed pet store, curbside, online or via in-home delivery. Treats Unleashed is your Puppy Prep headquarters! They carry (almost) everything you need for puppy class... and SO MUCH MORE!

Please Note:

In order to keep classes full and service as many puppies as possible, we open registration approximately 2-3 weeks in advance. If you don't see an available start date for class, class is likely full. You can check back later, or Contact Us if you are looking to schedule puppy class farther ahead for your new puppy. We'd love to chat with you!

CLASS ON HOLIDAY BREAK - Click for info on Private Lessons!

Plan ahead for puppy's success and save!

Check out our "Complete Puppy" private lesson and group class bundles for the most comprehensive learning for your pup, PLUS some major cost-savings... Success + $avings = SWEET!

See our "Complete Puppy" Bundles

The recreation complex is right off the highway at I-44 at Elm Avenue, and is very easily accessible by St. Louis City, St. Louis County and IL residents via I-270/255, I-55 and I-64/40.

Webster Groves Recreation Complex
E. 33 Glendale, Webster Groves, MO 63119
(314) 963-5600, Directions

What veterinarians are saying about early puppy socialization...

"...Three weeks to three months is the sensitive period for socialization in dogs. That is the time when the puppy is curious and primed to form social bonds. It's the golden window for [the puppy] to learn that all kinds of people and dogs, objects, and environments are safe. After this period, [the] default setting will be to fear everything new. That's why it's important for puppies and their humans to participate in puppy socialization classes."

"During this time puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing overstimulation manifested as excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated."

Additional Information:

There is a maximum of two (2) attendees per dog

Classes are limited to eight (8) dogs to maintain comfortable distancing and a promote a safe learning environment.

Please do not participate in training if you are sick or have symptoms. If you have knowingly been in contact with a Covid-infected person within the last 10 days, please follow CDC guidelines.

In accordance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the City of Webster Groves will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services and activities. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid service or service for effective communication, or modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity of Webster Groves, should contact the office of the Coordinator of Inclusive Services at (314) 290-8507 as soon as possible, but no later than seven days before the scheduled event. We will meet any reasonable request to make accommodations for program participants.

Read our Client Reviews!

Questions? Want to learn more?... Contact us!
Looking for private puppy training or puppy training packages? Click here!
Looking for adult dog group classes? Click here!