Puppy Socialization Sessions

Looking to provide your pup with the best playdate ever? BlueDog in Lawrence, MA has you covered! Have a blast with our Puppy Mentor Dogs: Jane, Fern, and Sunday. We’ll match your pup with the mentor best for their needs – whether they are shy, over-excited, or anywhere in between! Puppy Socialization Sessions are the safest way to provide your pup with a positive social experience.

Our Process

The first session is a 45 minute Meet n’ Greet ($100) to acclimate your pup to our training facility, and meet the team. After that, sessions are 30 minutes each ($67.50). All sessions take place at our training facility located at 160 Winthrop Ave, Lawrence MA.

Enjoy watching your pup play off leash in the space with their new friend! Chris actively observes your puppy’s body language, as well as his dogs’, to translate the conversation for you. Witness adorable play, ask Chris all your burning puppy questions, and receive advice on how to help your puppy blossom.

Because we highly recommend utilizing the socialization sessions as a supplement to our membership classes, BlueDog students receive discounted pricing on 30 minute follow up sessions (just $60 each!). Students also receive a weekly availability newsletter for easy sign ups.

Teaching the Puppy and their Human

Your puppy will have the opportunity to safely investigate new stimuli off leash in a very controlled environment. Our sessions often include novel items like tunnels, tarps, objects to climb over, and more to make socialization fun! As your pup explores, you’ll pick up on different body language signals and understand exactly what your dog is feeling. Just like your puppy will learn to communicate effectively with other dogs, you’ll be learning how to read and advocate for your dog.

Lasting Benefits

After a few sessions with your puppy mentor, your dog will:

Enter the training facility with confidence
Mirror their mentor’s signals for better communication
Navigate new situations with more optimism
Understand how to properly greet another dog

As a handler, you’ll be able to:

Read your dog’s energy levels to better manage play
Curate positive novel experiences for your puppy
Advocate for your dog knowing what safe play looks like
Provide social fulfillment for your dog

Meet Your Mentors

Chris Palermo is co-owner of BlueDog, and one of our CPDT-KA trainers. Joined by his sweetheart Collie, Jane, exuberant Golden, Fern, and sassy Collie, Sunday, Chris will provide your pup with a memorable play experience!

Common Puppy Questions

What is socialization and why is it so important?

We like to think of socialization as the crucial developmental process where we teach our puppies to be optimists! When puppies are between the ages of roughly 3-16 weeks, their brains are primed to make lasting connections: good and bad. It’s so incredibly important to ensure positive experiences with new people, places, things, sounds, textures, and more to instill curiosity rather than fear. Chris’ blog on socialization is a must read! We also follow the wise advice of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior in regards to the importance of socialization as it pertains to vaccine schedules and future behavioral challenges.

Do puppies get to play in BlueDog group classes?

We believe the best play always takes place between two pups with appropriately matched play styles. Due to the amount of puppies in any given class, it can be difficult to ensure positive play with so much energy and different personalities. Social sessions are the perfect avenue to give your pup that play time that you can trust is safe and mutually beneficial! Classes will show your pup how rewarding it is to work with you around other dogs and people.

How old does my puppy need to be?

Puppies aged 2-6 months old are welcome to join our Social Sessions!

What vaccinations do you require?

We follow the advise of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior that states: "it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated." Therefore, we do not have vaccination requirements for socialization sessions other than what is legally required.

You can rest assured that we prioritize health and sanitation here at BlueDog that includes frequent washing of water bowls, equipment, and supplies, and take care of our potty area. Our facility is cleaned daily and sanitized weekly.

Do you provide in home sessions?

All of our Social Sessions take place at our training facility to provide a neutral and spacious environment that's safe for play. Without any open doorways, sharp corners, or unseen areas, the training space is optimized for easy visuals, spreading out novel items, and play!

If you're looking for in home services, check out our private training services!

Contact us for more personalized information!