Non-Participant FAQs (New to Operation Socialization)

1. What is Operation Socialization™?
2. Why create an entire organization dedicated to early canine socialization?
3. What services do you offer for puppy owners?
4. Do you provide socialization services for adolescent or adult dogs?
5. What is a Socialization Destination™?
6. How do I enroll my puppy?
7. How do I know if my puppy is eligible to participate in OS?
8. I can't find any OS trainers in my area, what can I do?

Participant FAQs

1. I have been working with an OS Trainer and have completed my Puppy Passport. How do I get my Socialization Success Certificate?
2. I mailed my Completion Verification Form in over two weeks ago and haven't received it yet. What should I do?
3. I lost my Puppy Passport. What should I do?
4. I have questions about socialization, my passport, or handouts. Who can I contact?
5. There are no OS Certified Trainers in my area, what can I do?

Non-Participant FAQs (New to Operation Socialization)

1. What is Operation Socialization™?

Operation Socialization is a membership organization of professional dog trainers and dog-friendly businesses working to give dog owners the best possible tools to socialize puppies safely, early and effectively.

2. Why create an entire organization dedicated to early canine socialization?

We want all puppies to grow up into behaviorally healthy dogs that are easier to train, more adaptable and overall better lifetime companions. Safe, early and effective socialization is a critical and often under-valued part of puppy development.

3. What services do you offer for puppy owners?

We provide the resources you need to socialize your puppy, a qualified trainer to guide you and a network of dog-friendly businesses you can visit.

4. Do you provide socialization services for adolescent or adult dogs?

We don't, no. Our focus is on early socialization, meaning before a puppy reaches four months of age, so six months is as old as your puppy can be when enrolling in a program that includes Operation Socialization.

Our trainers are puppy experts, but many also offer services to help rehabilitate fearful or aggressive dogs. Feel free to contact an OS Trainer in your area to find out.

5. What is a Socialization Destination™?

Socialization Destinations™ are dog-friendly business members of Operation Socialization that provide Puppy Passport stamps and a good time. Acquiring passport stamps is a required part of our Socialization Success program.

6. How do I enroll my puppy?

Our Socialization Success program is offered through OS Certified Trainers only. To find a trainer in your area, search here.

7. How do I know if my puppy is eligible to participate in OS?

Puppies must meet the following criteria:

• Maximum 6 months of age
• Minimum 8 weeks of age
• Always accompanied by an adult
• Examined by a veterinarian and deemed in good health
• Must have received a minimum of one set of vaccines 7 days before participating in a group class or visiting a Socialization Destination.

8. I can't find any OS Trainers in my area, what can I do?

Operation Socialization™ is a national program and we're growing everyday. If you're looking for an OS Trainer (OSCT) in your area and can't find one, please let us know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Also, feel free to encourage trainers in your area to apply to become an OSCT by sending them an email yourself. It's easy for them to begin the application process online.

You can also search for professional dog trainers on the following sites (always be sure to verify your trainer uses positive reinforcement, force-free training methods):

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)

International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)

Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partners (KPA CTP)

Pat Miler Certified Trainers (PMCT)

Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training (VSPDT)

Participant FAQs

1. I have been working with an OS Trainer and have completed my Puppy Passport. How do I get my Socialization Success Certificate?

Please download the Completion Verification Form and get your OS Trainer to sign off on it. Mail to:

Operation Socialization LLC
Attn: Completion Department
Box 327
Mount Vernon, VA 22121

2. I mailed my Completion Verification Form in over two weeks ago and haven't received it yet. What should I do?

Contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

3. I lost my Puppy Passport. What should I do?

• If your Puppy Passport has not been completed: Contact your trainer to see if she/he has an extra passport to give you. By signing your Completion Verification Form she/he will verify that you did in fact finish the program. (There may be a fee for an additional passport.)

• If your Puppy Passport had been completed, but you lost it: Since you have been working closely with your OS Trainer they should be able to sign off on the Completion Verification Form.

4. I have questions about socialization, my passport, or handouts. Who can I contact?

Please address any questions regarding your puppy's training, socialization or development to your OS Certified Trainer.

5. There are no OS Certified Trainers in my area, what can I do?

Operation Socialization is a national program and we're growing everyday. If you can't find an OS Trainer in your area, please let us know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Also feel free to encourage professional dog trainers in your area to apply to become an OS Certified Trainer by sending them an email yourself. It's easy for them to begin the application process online.