Socialization is one of the most important parts of a puppy’s first weeks of life — and it’s also one of the most overlooked. A well-socialized puppy grows into a calmer, more confident, better-adjusted adult dog. That’s why our puppies don’t just socialize with our family at home — they get out and meet the world.

We’ve partnered with Puppy Retreat, a puppy yoga and cuddle session studio with locations in Roseville (Sacramento area) and Santa Clara (Bay Area), CA. Every weekend, our puppies attend sessions where they’re held, cuddled, and gently handled by a rotating group of new people — adults, kids, first-timers, and dog lovers alike.

It’s a win for everyone: our puppies get invaluable early socialization, and our families get a rare chance to meet and hold their future puppy in person before placing a deposit.

The window between 3 and 14 weeks of age is considered the most critical socialization period in a puppy’s life. Positive exposure to new people, sounds, textures, and gentle handling during this window shapes how confident and adaptable a dog becomes as an adult.

Puppies who are only ever handled by the same one or two people can become anxious or overwhelmed when they meet new people later on. Puppies who are regularly, gently exposed to a variety of people — different heights, voices, ages, and energy levels — tend to grow into calmer, more social adult dogs.

Puppy yoga and cuddle sessions give our puppies exactly that kind of exposure, in a controlled, positive, low-stress environment.

Before any public socialization begins, our puppies spend their earliest weeks in the care of our guardian families — getting used to a home environment, bonding with their litter, and building a foundation of comfort and trust.

Public visits, including Puppy Retreat sessions, start once a puppy reaches 8 weeks of age. This timing lets puppies build that early foundation first, then gradually introduces them to new people, environments, and experiences once they’re ready for it.

Puppy Retreat hosts puppy yoga and puppy cuddle sessions every Saturday and Sunday at two Northern California locations:

Roseville, CA (Sacramento area) — Roseville, CA 95678
Santa Clara, CA (Bay Area) — Santa Clara, CA 95050

Session schedule (Saturdays & Sundays):
10:00 AM — Puppy Yoga
11:30 AM — Puppy Cuddle Session

Tickets are required for every session — just reach out if you’d like to join and spend some time with our adorable pups. Puppy Retreat also hosts birthday parties and private events with puppies, making any celebration a little more special.

Visit www.puppyretreat.com to see the schedule and book tickets.

One of the best parts of this partnership: if you’re considering one of our puppies, you can request that a specific puppy join a session on a specific date and time you’ve booked.

This gives you the chance to:
– Spend real, hands-on time with the puppy you’re considering
– Get a feel for their personality — playful, mellow, cuddly, curious
– Check for allergic reactions before placing a deposit
– Let your kids meet and interact with the puppy in a fun, low-pressure setting

It’s one of the most reassuring steps you can take before committing to a puppy — you’re not just looking at photos, you’re holding them.

To arrange this, contact Anna with the puppy you’re interested in and your preferred session date, and we’ll coordinate with Puppy Retreat to have them there.

Beyond the regular weekend sessions, Puppy Retreat also offers birthday parties and private events featuring puppies — a memorable way to celebrate a birthday, a special occasion, or just an afternoon of puppy cuddles with friends and family. Reach out to Puppy Retreat directly to book a private event.

What is puppy yoga and puppy cuddle sessions?
Puppy yoga is a yoga class held alongside socialized puppies, who wander, play, and interact with participants throughout the session. Puppy cuddle sessions are dedicated time to sit, hold, and bond with puppies in a relaxed setting. Both are hosted by our partner, Puppy Retreat.

Where are the puppy socialization sessions held?
Puppy Retreat hosts sessions at two locations: Roseville, CA (Sacramento area) and Santa Clara, CA (Bay Area). Sessions run every Saturday and Sunday.

What time are the sessions?
Puppy Yoga is at 10:00 AM and Puppy Cuddle Sessions are at 11:30 AM, every Saturday and Sunday.

Do I need a ticket to attend?
Yes, tickets are required for all sessions. Contact Puppy Retreat or ask Anna for details on how to book.

Can I request to meet a specific puppy I’m interested in?
Yes. If you’re considering one of our puppies, you can request that they join a session at a specific date and time you’ve booked. Contact Anna to coordinate.

Can this help if I’m worried about allergies?
Yes — spending time at a session with the puppy you’re considering is a great, low-pressure way to check for allergic reactions before placing a deposit.

Do you offer birthday parties or private events with puppies?
Yes, through Puppy Retreat. Birthday parties and private puppy events can be booked directly with them at www.puppyretreat.com.

Is this socialization in addition to what my puppy already gets at home?
Yes. Puppy Retreat sessions are an addition to the daily handling, love, and socialization every Bernedoodles & Co. puppy already receives in our home.

At what age do puppies start public visits and socialization sessions?
Public visits, including Puppy Retreat sessions, begin at 8 weeks of age. Before that, puppies stay with our guardian families, bonding and building a foundation of comfort at home.

Whether you’re ready to hold a puppy for the first time or want to check on a specific pup you’ve had your eye on, Puppy Retreat’s sessions are the perfect low-pressure way to connect before you commit.