--- title: Puppy Socialization Before a Boarding Stay | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/puppy-socialization-before-the-first-stay/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Puppy socialization before the first boarding stay # Puppy socialization before the first boarding stay Puppies learn the most about new people, places and sounds between about 3 and 14 weeks of age, so careful early experiences matter before a first stay. Happy Paws accepts puppies once they are 16 weeks old and have the vaccines recommended for their age. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) A first boarding stay will go better for a puppy that has already met a few new places, surfaces and people. Here is how to build those experiences safely while the vaccine series is still running. ## The window The AVMA's puppy socialization handout describes a sensitive period from about 3 to 14 weeks of age, when a puppy is most open to new experiences. It also advises that puppies who are not fully vaccinated should not be exposed to animals of unknown vaccination status or to places contaminated by them, such as outdoor parks. So the goal is many calm, new, low-risk experiences, not a trip to a crowded dog park. ## Low-risk experiences to try Carry your puppy to meet friendly adults and children. Let the puppy walk on different floors, such as tile, grass and a ramp. Introduce a car ride, a crate or carrier, a brushing, nail handling and the sound of the vacuum. Keep each short and pleasant, and pair them with a treat. Visit your vet's waiting room when it is quiet. Short car trips to the kennel parking lot are good practice for the real drop-off. The [puppy day care guide](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/puppy-day-care/) and [puppy boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/puppy-boarding/) page add more. ## What Happy Paws requires Pets must be 16 weeks old before the first day, with the vaccines recommended for their age on file. For dogs that means current rabies, distemper/parvo and Bordetella, with the recommended flu booster, if given, 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose. The [how old does a puppy have to be to board](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-old-does-a-puppy-have-to-be-to-board/) guide explains the reasoning. Check your puppy's dates with the [vaccine readiness checker](https://happypawskennels.com/tools/vaccine-readiness-checker/). ## A day visit before the first night Once your puppy meets the age and vaccine rules, a day care visit can be a short first introduction to the kennel before an overnight stay. Day care is $38 a day or $7 an hour on the 2026 rates, with drop-off from 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2 to 5 PM. Come for a tour first, since tours run daily 9 to 11 AM and 2 to 4 PM with no appointment, and the puppy will have smelled the place already. Ask your vet if you have doubts about timing relative to the vaccine series. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AVMA, puppy socialization (PDF)](https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/resources/Socialization-Puppy-Flyer.pdf) - [AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines](https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2022-aaha-canine-vaccination-guidelines/) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Puppy boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-boarding/puppy-boarding/) - [Puppy day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/puppy-day-care/) - [How old does a puppy have to be to board?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-old-does-a-puppy-have-to-be-to-board/) - [Dog day care](https://happypawskennels.com/dog-day-care/) - [Tour the facility](https://happypawskennels.com/touring-the-facility/) ## Your first-stay timeline Drop-off date - Pick your drop-off date to see your first-stay timeline. [Ask about these dates](#book-form) ## Read next - [Ticks on dogs in Solano and Yolo counties](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/ticks-on-dogs-in-solano-and-yolo/) - [Hot cars and dogs](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/hot-cars-and-dogs-at-drop-off/) - [How to weigh your dog at home](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-weigh-your-dog/) - [Loose stool after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-diarrhea-after-boarding/) - [Your dog's first day of day care](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-day-of-dog-day-care/) - [Car sickness in dogs on the drive to the kennel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/car-sickness-in-dogs/) - [How to read boarding kennel reviews](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-read-boarding-kennel-reviews/) - [How much exercise does a dog need on a trip away?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-exercise-does-a-dog-need/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### How old must a puppy be to board at Happy Paws? 16 weeks, with the vaccines recommended for the puppy's age, before the first day. ### When does the puppy socialization window close? The AVMA describes a sensitive period from about 3 to 14 weeks of age. ### Can I take my puppy to a dog park before vaccines are done? The AVMA advises keeping not-fully-vaccinated puppies away from animals of unknown vaccination status and contaminated places such as outdoor parks. ### Is day care a good first visit? It can be, once the puppy meets the age and vaccine rules. Day care is $38 a day or $7 an hour on the 2026 rates.