PUPPY KINDERGARTEN Age 5 months & younger
So you got a new puppy - congratulations! While the first few days with a new puppy might be all “awws” and snuggles, soon, the reality of having a new, untrained puppy will creep in. And while self-training is always an option, there are a lot of advantages to professional puppy training, not to mention the time and energy you’ll save with an unruly dog.
Benefits of Puppy Training
A new puppy will bring love, laughter, joy… and a little bit of stress. Puppies may chew up furniture and clothing, whine or bark when left alone, or nip too hard while play fighting. Not only is this stressful to you and the family, but it can also be harmful to the puppy.
While many people think their puppy will outgrow these habits, they can actually become worse as they grow older. Plus, older dogs may have a harder time learning new behaviors. On the other hand, new puppies are just like babies - their brains are primed to absorb new information and learn things quickly.
Taking your puppy to training will help prevent and correct these habits, setting you and your puppy up for a lifetime of fun and happiness. You’ll reduce frustration and annoyance that can damage your relationship with your dog, plus makes the home more enjoyable for everyone.
An additional benefit, especially if this is your only dog, is early exposure to other dogs, puppies, and people. Having a dog that gets along well with others is vital if you ever choose to get another dog or want to be able to take him to a dog park. Puppy training and early exposure leads to more outgoing, confident dogs.
Puppy training also gives you time to bond with your new furry friend. It can be fun and helps the two of you establish a special relationship of effective communication, with you as the leader. Puppy training can turn that little bundle of joy into the loving family companion you wanted.
What Training Covers
Our puppy training class runs for six weeks, with one class per week. Each class will cover puppy basics and specific training cues, including reviews of previous weeks’ cues and socialization free play at the end of each session. You will also have “homework” to work with your puppy throughout the week. To get the best results from training, we recommend 30 minutes of training each day, spread across 6-10 mini training sessions. It’s vital to only work while your puppy is showing interest, so some sessions may end up being as short as 3 minutes. You and your puppy should enjoy the training sessions!
Week 1: Introduction, Praise & Verbal Markers, Socialization. Cues: Sit
Week 2: Review Praise & Verbal Markers. Learn about Leash Equipment and Potty Training. Cues: Sit, Recall, Release, Loose Leash Walking
Week 3: Review Praise & Verbal Markers. Cues: Recall, Touch (Targeting), "Sit" with a Hold, Release, Leave It, Stay
Week 4: Cues: Touch (Targeting), Leave it, Down, and "Stay" with Distance
Week 5: Learn about Resource Guarding. Cues: Leave It, Off-Leash Recalls, Drop it, Catch
Week 6: For the final week we will teach your puppy to say "Please" and learn about generalization. Cues: "Leave it" with Temptations, "Stay" with Distractions, and Loose Leash Walking past other dogs. Review of Principles & Accomplishments. Graduation Ceremony!
How old does my puppy need to be in order to participate in the training course?
In Classroom: 12 weeks to 5 months of age. Puppy must be up to date on all vaccinations.
At home: As early as 8 weeks of age. Puppy does not need to be up to date on vaccinations.
Do you have to be in a class?
Absolutely not. We can do in-home private training as well.
Cost
Class Room: $145 (Non-Refundable)
Private Lessons: $175 at our Pet Resort (Non-Refundable. Only two cancelations/rescheduled lessons allowed)
In-Home Private Lessons: $275 (Non-Refundable. Only two cancelations/rescheduled lessons allowed) *If location is more than 10 miles from our home base, please add an additional $2 per mile each way.
Contact us to set up your private lessons.