What is the difference between Puppy Pre-school, Kindergarten and Headstart? The primary difference between the Pre-school, Kindergarten and Headstart classes is the age of the puppies. Same curriculum, same class- divided by age. Preschoolers are under 4 1/2 months of age. Kindergartners are 4 1/2 to 6 months of age. Older pups and adults over maximum age for puppy class will start their training in Headstart. The exercises, hand-outs, etc. are identical for all three classes, however the focus and skill level will be age-appropriate. There are occasionally younger pups in the Headstart if their owner's schedule won't allow for PPS or Puppy K scheduling. This doesn't mean you have to wait til your pup is six months old to start Headstart!

photo courtesty of Cathy Fox

Freeplay time is a regular part of the puppy classes. There is no free-play time in Headstart, as adolescent puppies tend to "date" instead of play! For obvious reasons, there will be more behavior discussion on house training and teething in the Pre-school class. There will be more discussion of adolescent behavior concerns in the Headstart class.

One of the things our students seem to enjoy about our classes is the feeling of "family" that is established early on. Expressions like "Wow, my dog does that, too!" allows students to realize that their dogs are "normal" and that they are not alone in their frustrations with their canine friends. Students cheer each other on and positively reinforce each other for training breakthroughs.

Headstart for Small Dogs Our positive methods and small class size are perfectly geared for our pint-sized students. While many of the little guys do attend the regular Puppy and Headstart classes, we find the human end of the leash really enjoys our special class for small breeds under 25 lbs.

We offer a daytime class and a $10 off senior citizen discount for our senior friends and their canine companions. The goal is to have fun in a relaxed atmosphere while teaching our dogs basic manners and commands. Some of our students may want to delve beyond the basics and explore ways our furry friends can learn a few "helper skills." Imagine not having to get down on your hands and knees to retrieve that pencil you dropped! Dogs love to retrieve balls - and pencils and slippers and maybe even your purse! Dogs love feeling useful - a dog with a job is a satisfied dog!

Can you teach an Old Dog New Tricks?
Of course! And the dogs love it. We have had several students bring their older dogs to class just to spend some quality time together. Our oldest dog student was 17!

Younger puppies start in the Puppy Preschool or Puppy Kindergarten class.