Free Puppy

Play Group

Like Puppy Class, Only More Fun

  • Is your new puppy driving you a little batty?

  • Do they need to burn off some energy?

  • Are you having a hard time finding playmates for your puppy?

  • Do you want your puppy to bite someone else for a change?

  • Do you want some help with your puppy?

Then join us! Relax and get your puppy questions answered while your puppy plays and makes new friends.

Golden retriever puppy learning to relax in puppy class
German shepherd puppy practices sit in puppy class

Puppy Play Group Details

WHO: for puppies 8-16 weeks

VACCINE REQUIREMENT: must be current (not complete) on DHPP vaccines

WHEN: Sundays, 1:15-1:45 pm

WHERE: Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile, 5608 S Regal, Spokane

COST: FREE

limited to 6 puppies

8-week-old border collie puppy sits in the grass and tilts her head at the camera

But what about vaccines?

Myth: Puppies must be fully vaccinated before starting socialization.

Truth: Research shows that puppies attending class with just one vaccine are not at a higher risk of disease compared to those waiting until they’re fully vaccinated.

Since the socialization window closes around 12 weeks, there’s no time to waste! If you want a confident, friendly, well-mannered dog, start socialization now.

All puppies who attend are up to date on vaccines, making the risk of illness very low. So relax, have fun, and let your puppy go wild!

Frequently Asked Puppy Play Group Questions

  • They won’t be eligible to attend. Puppy Play Group is geared toward younger puppies.

    Because the socialization period is over at 12 weeks and adolescence starts at 18 weeks, there’s less benefit to after 16 weeks. The other reason is that older puppies and adolescents often play in a more physical and intense way, which can be overwhelming or scary for younger puppies. They would be better suited playing with suitable adult dogs.

    Instead, dive into a training class and start teaching your pup some really cool stuff!

  • Puppy Play Group is focused on socialization and off-leash play, building confidence around other puppies.

    It doesn’t include any training, so check out the group training classes to get a well-socialized AND well-behaved puppy!

  • Absolutely! The more the merrier! (Kids should be able to behave appropriately during class.)

  • They’re still welcome to come, and we’ll set them up to be as comfortable as possible. Very fearful puppies may be placed behind a gate where they can observe without needing to interact with other puppies or people.

    While the play group is not designed to address specific behavioral concerns, like reactivity or anxiety, some gentle exposure may be helpful!

  • Unfortunately, this is a common myth.

    Research shows puppy class is perfectly safe for puppies as long as vaccines are current. The risk of lifelong behavior problems from delaying socialization is significantly higher than the risk of parvo.

    Vets are concerned with disease prevention, not behavioral health. To fully prevent disease, your puppy should not go outdoors, even to potty. They should not go to the vet for vaccines - you should find a vet to come to you. If you have other pets who go outdoors, they are potentially exposing your puppy to diseases and could track them into the home. The point is, you can't fully prevent exposure. Your puppy is already exposed - just without the benefit of socialization.

    You can never undo the damage or make up for not socializing your puppy before 12 weeks.

  • Just let me know so someone else can have your spot!

    Sick puppies, or puppies with parasites (such as worms or giardia) cannot come to class until cleared by your vet as not being contagious.

What Puppy Owners Are Saying About Puppy Class

  • Puppy class was a blast! Chewy had so much fun running and playing with other puppies, and I learned so many new things.

    Deb & Chewy

  • My new puppy, Max, was so incredibly shy. Carolyn was amazing at helping him feel more confident (and me!), and it wasn't long until he was joining in the puppy play!

    Katie & Max

  • Josie was so wild and kept biting us. We were getting so frustrated, and then we found this class and it felt like a godsend. The play time was so good for her and really helped tire her out, and we learned how to help her be less wild. Can't recommend puppy class enough!

    Mike & Josie

  • I was so overwhelmed with where to start with Luna. We've done other classes with our previous dog, and Carolyn's class was so much more fun and educational. I'm so glad I found Good Dog Training!

    Mary & Luna