Joyful puppies playing and socializing at River Paws in Madison, Wisconsin

Where PuppiesLearn to PlayPuppy Play & Socialization at River Paws

✨Professional Grooming Since 2017

❤️Trusted by 2,000+ Local Families

🏠Locally Owned & Operated

⭐5.0 ★ Google Rating

✓Licensed & Fully Insured

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The foundation for a confident, well-socialized adult dog begins with positive early experiences.Professional socialization programs for puppies 12 weeks to 6 months.

Limited Availability: Very occasional offering - No current availability

Inquire About Future Sessions Call (608) 571-PAWS

Important: Puppy Play & Socialization is a very occasional and limited offering that only happens once or twice a year. There is currently no availability. Please call us to inquire about future sessions.

Building Confident Puppies

The first year of your puppy's life is crucial for developing social skills, confidence, and good behavior patterns. Our supervised puppy play sessions provide the perfect environment for positive socialization and learning.

We focus on age-appropriate activities that help puppies learn to interact appropriately with other dogs and people, while having fun and building confidence in a safe, controlled environment. Please note: This program is offered on a very limited basis, typically only once or twice per year.

Understanding Puppy Development

Primary socialization window: 3-12 weeks of age

Continued socialization benefits extend through 16 weeks and beyond

Positive experiences help prevent fear and anxiety in adult dogs

Happy puppies playing and socializing together at River Paws

Building confidence, one play session at a time.

Puppy Experts

Since 2017

Program Details

Age Range

12-16 weeks

Introduction & foundation building

4-5 months

Skill development & play styles

5-6 months

Confidence & social refinement

Maximum age: 6 months

Older pups? Check out our hiking program!

Session Structure

45-60 minutes

Supervised play time

Small groups

4-6 puppies maximum

Individual attention

As needed for each puppy

Positive reinforcement

Training integrated naturally

Activities Include

Controlled introduction games

Obstacle courses & challenges

Toy sharing exercises

Basic obedience practice

Confidence building challenges

Why Early Socialization Matters

The benefits of proper puppy socialization extend far beyond the first year, creating a foundation for a happy, well-adjusted adult dog.

Prevents Behavior Problems

Early socialization reduces the likelihood of fear-based behaviors, aggression, and anxiety in adult dogs. Puppies learn to handle new situations confidently.

Builds Lasting Confidence

Positive experiences help puppies develop into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs who handle new situations, people, and environments with ease.

Improves Social Skills

Learn appropriate play behaviors and communication with other dogs and people. Develop proper social cues and boundaries from an early age.

Early Training Foundation

Basic obedience and manners training integrated into fun, engaging activities. Learning becomes natural and enjoyable for your puppy.

Reduces Separation Anxiety

Helps puppies learn to be comfortable away from their owners for short periods. Builds independence and reduces anxiety when left alone.

Strengthens Family Bond

Parents learn to understand their puppy's behavior and communication cues. Creates a stronger, more communicative relationship with your dog.

Program Requirements

Health and safety standards to ensure the best experience for your puppy and all participants.

Vaccination Requirements

Minimum age: 12 weeks

Ensures initial vaccine series is complete

DHPP vaccinations

Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza

Bordetella & Rabies

Required for all participants

Health & Safety Standards

Current flea/tick prevention

Up-to-date preventative medication

No contagious illnesses

Healthy and illness-free

Appropriate weight for age

Neither underweight nor overweight

Veterinary Clearance Required

All puppies must have a veterinary check-up and be cleared for participation. We follow strict health and safety protocols to ensure a positive experience for all puppies.

What Puppy Parents Say

Real stories from families who have seen their puppies transform through our socialization program.

Sarah M.

Madison

“Our shy rescue puppy has blossomed into a confident, social butterfly thanks to River Paws puppy program. The trainers are amazing with young dogs and really know how to bring out the best in them.”

Mike R.

Waunakee

“The socialization classes made all the difference for our energetic puppy. He now plays appropriately with other dogs and has learned so many important skills. Highly recommend!”

Frequently Asked Questions

We accept puppies 12 weeks and older. By 12 weeks, puppies have typically received their initial vaccination series, making group socialization safer. While the critical socialization window begins earlier, there's still tremendous benefit to structured socialization through 16 weeks and beyond.

Our trainers specialize in working with puppies of all temperaments. We use positive reinforcement techniques and go at your puppy's pace to build confidence gradually and safely.

Yes! We encourage parents to observe sessions, especially initially. This helps you understand your puppy's behavior and learn how to reinforce the training at home.

If your puppy needs more individual attention, we can recommend private sessions or suggest waiting until they're more comfortable. Safety and positive experiences are our top priorities.

Not at all! While the primary socialization window is 3-12 weeks, puppies continue to benefit from positive social experiences well beyond that. We accept puppies up to 6 months old, giving you time to take advantage of this important developmental period.