Puppyhood Starts Here
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The Best Time to Socialize Your Puppy is Now
Our Puppy Program gives your newest family member a safe, supervised introduction to unfamiliar scents, people, and dogs. This early experience is crucial for development and when socialization has the greatest lasting impact.
Down Dog Lodge welcomes puppies between three and six months old. Unlike our standard daycare program, puppies are not required to be spayed or neutered until six months of age.
Why Early Socialization Matters
The period between three and 14 weeks of age is the most critical time for a puppy’s social development. Their experience during this window shapes how they relate to new people, dogs, and environments for the rest of their lives!
Puppies who are well-socialized early tend to be more confident, more adaptable, and less prone to anxiety-driven behaviors as they grow.
Regular, positive interactions with other dogs during this window build a social foundation that benefits your dog and your relationship with them for years to come!
How Our Puppy Program Works
Puppies in the program follow the same Temperament Test process as our standard daycare clients: two phases, over two days, to ensure a mutual fit with our cage-free environment.
Once your puppy passes each test, they participate in our regular daycare program alongside other compatible dogs, with our staff monitoring closely and intervening when needed.
Puppy Program pricing follows our standard daycare rates.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: 3–6 months old
- Spay/neuter: not required until six months old
- Basic obedience: must demonstrate basic responsiveness
Required Vaccinations*
- Bordetella
- DHPP: 2 of 3 rounds completed
- Leptospirosis: 2 rounds + 7-day wait period
- CIV K9 Influenza: 2 rounds + 7-day wait period
* Rabies is often completed later and is required once the puppy reaches six months old.
* After six months, all dogs must be spayed/neutered for admittance to Down Dog Lodge.
Rates
Our Puppy Program follows our standard daycare pricing.
Full Daycare (5+ hours)
- One dog: $62
- Additional dog: +$56
Half Daycare (under 5 hours)
- One dog: $52
- Additional dog: +$46
Hourly Daycare
$22/hr/dog
Why Start at Down Dog Lodge?
Our cage-free, 12,000 sq. ft. facility is an ideal environment for a puppy’s first social experience away from home. Dogs play in size-appropriate groups with staff always present, so your puppy is never in a situation our team isn’t equipped to handle.
Puppy Program FAQ
Does my puppy need to be spayed or neutered to join?
No, puppies between three and six months old are welcome intact. After six months, spay/neuter is required for admittance to Down Dog Lodge.
Does my puppy need to be spayed or neutered to join?
No, puppies between three and six months old are welcome intact. After six months, spay/neuter is required for admittance to Down Dog Lodge.
What vaccinations does my puppy need?
Bordetella, DHPP (at least 2 of 3 rounds), Leptospirosis (2 rounds + 7-day wait), and CIV K9 Influenza (2 rounds + 7-day wait). Rabies is required once your puppy reaches six months of age.
Does my puppy still need to pass the Temperament Test?
Yes, all dogs, including puppies, complete our two-phase Temperament Test before their first visit. It’s designed to be a gentle, supervised introduction and is a great first step for a young dog.
How do I get started?
Complete our New Client Application, then contact us to schedule your puppy’s Temperament Test.