Socialize puppies and save lives

Research has shown that behavior issues are one of the most common reasons a pet is relinquished to a shelter. But as veterinarians, we have the chance to intervene in the lives of our patients and curb those problems before they start. Not only will puppy classes add a new revenue stream for your practice, but they'll let you dip your toes into the behavior pool if you're not doing a lot of behavior counseling already. The puppies win, the clients win and your practice wins--with bonded clients who come back for the lifetime of their new pet. Here's why puppy socialization classes are important. Puppies are most open to novel experiences during their socialization period and this is the perfect time to expose them to as many new things and experiences as possible in a safe, proactive and positive manner so they develop healthy coping skills, says Fetch dvm360 conference speaker Debbie Martin, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, LVT, VTS.