By Taylor Colby
Forever Vets is hosting their second puppy social event, St. Pawtrick’s Day, at Furever Vets Central location from 10 a.m. to noon March 28. This fun and free event is the perfect opportunity for new pet “parents” to socialize their puppies in a safe environment.
At the event, guests will receive a puppy party bag that includes educational pamphlets, a dog treat and a lead/potty bag. There will be free pup-cups, shopping opportunities courtesy of Rosie’s Pet Supplies and an opportunity to tour the facility upon request.
The Dog Wizard will be joining the party as well to answer any training questions and will offer a 10% off discount to any Furever Vets client and puppy social attendees. If you purchase a daycare package the same day as the St. Pawtrick’s Day puppy social, you will receive a 10% off discount.
Shelly Cornish, director of marketing for Forever Vets, emphasized the importance of socializing dogs at an early age. Socializing dogs helps them to become well-adjusted and confident.
“It means gradually and positively exposing a dog to different people, animals, environments, sounds and experiences as they learn how to respond calmly and appropriately,” she said. “Socializing dogs helps build confidence, prevents fear and aggression, improves behavior around others and makes daily life tasks easier overall.”
To start socializing puppies, it’s best to start gradually exposing them to different people, animals and environments around three to 14 weeks.
Positive reinforcement is also critical.
“Positive reinforcement such as treats, praise and play helps dogs associate new situations with good outcomes,” she said.
Taking dogs to parks and small events is a great way to start and will help them adjust to everyday life. Allowing your puppy to play with other friendly and vaccinated dogs can also help them to learn appropriate behavior. With a little patience and encouragement, your puppy will grow in confidence.
The St. Pawtrick’s Day puppy social is for dogs only between ages 16 weeks and one year. Puppy social participants must have had their distemper series, rabies, bordetella and fecal vaccines to attend. Pet parents must stay for the event.
The event is free, but you must sign up in advance. To do so, contact Furever Vets Central at 904-375-3995 or email centralcs@forevervets.com. The St. Pawtrick’s Day puppy social is a safe way to help your puppy make friends in a fun and festive environment.
Furever Vets Central location has a dog boarding and daycare facility as well as an emergency and urgent care unit. Furever Vets offers wellness and preventive care, vaccinations, dental care, surgeries, spay and neuter, diagnostics, exotic pet care, pain management, emergency care, boarding, daycare and grooming services. First time clients are eligible for a first free office visit.
To learn more, go to www.forevervets.com.