Abstract
In our veterinary clinic, 411 dogs participated in our puppy socialization classes during the last seven years. The most common breeds were toy poodles, chihuahuas, and miniature dachshunds. Dogs of these three breeds were divided into two groups: one consisted of class-participants, and the other, of non-participants. We compared the two groups of each breed regarding the number sterilized or castrated, the number vaccinated, and the number receiving heartworm disease preventive medicine, and the frequency of their visits to our clinic each year. Group One dogs showed higher rates in all items listed above, and more frequent visits. This study indicated that participating in a puppy socialization class has various good effects, such as more awareness of health care of the dogs, which promoted more frequent visits to our clinic later, as well as encouraging puppies to become socialized, and helping dog owners to learn appropriate puppy training.
