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Puppy Field Trips!
Join us on fun puppy field trips in the East Bay to socialize and safely expose your puppy to the real world.
Brought to you by Choose Positive Dog Training and Doggy Lama Pet Care.
Upcoming Trips
Check back soon for our next field trip date or email us for more info.
PAST FIELD TRIPS:
When: Saturday Sep 26 @ 11:30am
Where: Inside Sports Basement- Berkeley at 2727 Milvia St., Berkeley
Sports Basement is giving all attendees 20-30% off that day on merchandise!!!
Perks: Socialization and play with other pups and diverse people! Plus, socialization to bikes, strollers, large tents, big hats, people in helmets, hiking poles, and elevators!
Cost: $15
Save your Spot: REGISTER HERE (Pre-registration required- spaces limited)
When: Saturday Sep 12 @ 10:30am
Where: Bed, Bath, and Beyond!- Oakland
Perks: Socialization to vacuums, brooms, kitchen appliance noises, umbrellas, diverse people and other pups!
Cost: $15
Save your Spot: REGISTER HERE (Pre-registration required- spaces limited)
When: Saturday Aug 29 @ 10:30am
Where: Montclair Village Parking Garage: 6235 La Salle Ave, Oakland, CA 94611 (Location change due to downtown Oakland Triathlon)
Cost: $15
Save your Spot: REGISTER HERE (Pre-registration required- spaces limited)
When: Saturday Aug 15 @ 10:30am
Where: Piedmont- Meet in front of Mulberry's Market: 335 Highland Ave, Piedmont, CA 94611
Cost: $15
Save your Spot: Register below
When: Saturday Aug 1 @ 10:30am
Where: Montclair- Meet in front of the Montclair Village Parking Garage: 6235 La Salle Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
Cost: $15
Save your Spot: Register below
What is a Puppy Field Trip?
A positive real world opportunity for your pup!
Certified trainers and expert support staff lead a small group of pupppies (5 months or younger) and their pup-parents in the following adventures, all in carefully selected, safer environments.* You and your puppy will learn how to:
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Prevent future behavior problems by developing good associations with varied urban places, people, and things
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Positively interrupt and manage your puppy when he/she is over-aroused or doing unwanted behaviors
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Teach your puppy beginning obedience cues with positive methods- sit, down, recall
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Greet strangers politely (4 on the floor!) and other vaccinated puppies safely
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Learn doggie body language to understand what your pup is saying!
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Practice handling exercises to prevent behavior issues at the vet or groomer
*Benefits of early socialization are so huge and the risks in the locations we adventure in are low! There are extra measures that can and will be taken on pup field trips to reduce risk as well, and owners should be comfortable with this risk/benefit equation. We require you either submit your puppy's proof of DHPP vaccines via registration or bring proof of vaccinations on the day of the field trip. See more details below.
We encourage you to read the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior's Position Statement on Puppy Socialization, which states that "the primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. During this time puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as possible." Veterinary behaviorist and author of Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog, Dr. Kenneth Martin, DVM also states "Just as puppies are vaccinated against infectious diseases... they also need to be "vaccinated" against behavior problems. Lack of exposure during the socialization period can be just as detrimental as a bad experience."
Prepare for Your Adventure
Prepare these supplies:
• A hungry dog (skip a meal or feed 1/2 meal)
• MANY cut-up high value treats- at least 2-3 cups
• Treat bag to take treats with you
• Mat (towel or blanket works well) for dog to settle on
• Pre-stuffed kong or long-lasting chew
• Favorite tug or chew toy
• Water and bowl for your puppy
• Poop bags
Day of the field trip:
1. Bring your dog on leash with a regular flat collar or harness and a regular 4-6 foot leash (no flexi leashes, choke collars, prong collars, or shock/citronella collars).
2. Check with the trainer before allowing your puppy to greet other puppies. Some puppies may by working on shyness or over-arousal to people or other dogs.
3. We will review positive management strategies on how to redirect your puppy to an appropriate behavior if they engage in an unwanted behavior. We will not be using yelling or physical corrections.
4. If you did not submit your puppy's proof of DHPP vaccines via registration remember to bring proof of vaccinations on the day of the field trip. Puppies should receive a minimum of 1 set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the field trip and a first deworming.
5. Other safety precautions can include carrying your puppy, using shopping carts, using mats on the ground, or bringing baby wipes for your dog's paws. Trainers have also chosen pre-scouted areas with less dog traffic (NOT a dog park), and may spray contained play areas with disinfectant when necessary.