Good puppies and kittens can go bad unless owners give them proper socialization and training to help them succeed in their new families. To help owners of these new pets shape their behavior with training and understanding, Colorado State University's veterinary student Animal Behavior Club is sponsoring "Puppy Parties and Kitten Kindergarten."
These informative programs offer pet owners a chance to attend an educational party and begin socializing their young puppies and kittens and provide education about how pets develop, how owners can avoid potential behavior problems, and identify community resources for pet owners to help them continue to socialize and train their pet.
"Unfortunately, many pets and owners end up at odds over the pet's behavior. In fact, behavior problems represent a significant portion of relinquishments to shelters. If owners are educated early, they tend to develop stronger relationships with their pets and are more likely to be able to prevent problems or deal with them if they happen," said Dr. Jennie Willis Jamtgaard, an applied animal behaviorist and instructor in the Department of Clinical Sciences. "Puppy Parties and Kitten Kindergarten will help introduce new owners to their options and basic information about training."
Puppies 8 to 16 weeks of age and kittens 7 to 14 weeks of age are encouraged to attend one of the parties. Owners of older puppies and kittens are welcome to attend without their animals. The one-hour Kitten Kindergarten will be held at 11:30 a.m., and Puppy Parties will be held at 2 p.m. on March 24 and April 7 at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Additional parties will be scheduled throughout the year. While sessions are free of charge, a suggested donation of $5 per animal is optional. RSVP is required at behaviorcsu@yahoo.com.
